---

Iraq: Military Casualties

Answer

Financial compensation paid to the dependants of members of the British Armed Forces whose death is a result of service in the current conflict in Iraq is covered by a number of schemes. Similar benefits are paid to the next of kin of British or Commonwealth personnel. Where the death was caused on or after 6 April 2005 compensation is paid under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme; before 6 April 2005 under the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975 and the War Pensions Scheme. In addition, dependants may receive appropriate pension entitlement under the relevant Armed Forces Pension Scheme. I am unable to provide details of the individual awards paid to dependants of those killed in service in Iraq as they are of a private and personal nature and subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. Copies of the scheme booklets that cover the range of benefits payable in detail are available in the Library of the House. They are also available on www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/Issues/Pensions. These arrangements do not prevent the next of kin bringing separate claims for damages under common law, as my honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans explained in his response in another place on 22 May 2006, (Official Report, cols 1331-32W).

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

5834; 682 c154-5WA

Session

2005-06

Related items

Iraq: Military Casualties
Thursday, 15 June 2006
Written questions
House of Lords

Pension Entitlement (Service Widows)
Monday, 22 May 2006
Written questions
House of Commons

Subjects

Compensation Armed forces Armed conflict Commonwealth Casualties Iraq Peacekeeping operations War pensions Iraq conflict Next of kin

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk