asked the Minister for Defence if he will take steps to increase an annual special allowance of £9 10s. made under section 7 of the Army Pensions Act, 1943 to an IRA veteran of 73 years of age (details supplied) on the 26th October, 1964, as it is completely inadequate.

A special allowance is an annual sum of such amount as when added to an applicant's yearly means will not equal or exceed the "appropriate annual sum" laid down in the Army Pensions Acts. An investigation of this applicant's yearly means showed that he has a farm profit estimated at £20 per annum, an old age contributory pension of £2 1s. Od. per week and a British retirement pension of £1 5s. Od. per week. The "appropriate annual sum" applicable in the case is £112 per annum and the special allowance of £9 10s. Od. per annum is, therefore, the maximum permissible under the terms of the Acts.

Would the Minister say again what is the annual income of the farm?

£20 per annum.

How is this calculated?

I cannot say without further notice.

£20 profit on a holding of a few acres.