asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the number of pensions granted under the various grades to persons claiming under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, and the average rate of pension under each grade; further, whether he will state the expenditure on pensions under the Act in respect of the year 1942.

The number of pensions granted under the various grades to persons under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934, the average rate of pension under each grade and the expenditure on pensions under the said Act for the financial year ending 31st March, 1942, are as follows:—

Expenditure from 1st April, 1941, to 31st March, 1942, amounted to £319,542 17s. 6d.