Ceylon Widows and Orphans Pension Fund

Oral Answers to Questions — Overseas Development – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 11 April 1968.

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Photo of Mr John Tilney Mr John Tilney , Liverpool Wavertree 12:00, 11 April 1968

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether he is in a position to make any further statement on the subject of widows' pensions payable from the Ceylon Widows and Orphans Pension Fund.

Photo of Mr Albert Oram Mr Albert Oram , East Ham South

No substantive reply has yet been received to our representations to the Government of Ceylon on behalf of these pensioners. My right hon. Friend took the opportunity of his recent brief visit to Ceylon to raise the matter with the Ceylonese Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance and he was assured that it was being considered.

Photo of Mr John Tilney Mr John Tilney , Liverpool Wavertree

Will the Minister bear in mind that the widows of servants recruited by the Secretary of State to serve the Crown are being paid in rupees which have been devalued more than has the British £ and that many of them are in dire straits?

Photo of Mr Albert Oram Mr Albert Oram , East Ham South

Yes. We recognise that. That is the basis of the representations which we have made.