asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons concerned and the total annual compensation payable to former members of the Local Defence Force under the Emergency Powers (Compensation for Personal Injuries) (Local Defence Force) Scheme, 1942.

Thirty-one former members of the Local Defence Force (1941-1946) are at present in receipt of compensation under the Emergency Powers (Compensation for Personal Injuries) (Local Defence Force) Scheme, 1942, at a total annual cost of £1,434.

Compensation amounting in all to £154 per annum is also being paid to the dependants of three deceased former members of the Force.

Can the Minister say if there is any intention of revising these payments?

I am not in a position to say that myself but I shall address the Deputy's query to the Minister.