BOLTON MP David Crausby is sponsoring Commons moves to force the Government to give an annual report on pensions for servicemen.

The proposal would require a yearly summary of the situation on service pensions, war pensions and war widows pensions.

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He has introduced the one-page "Pensions (Amendment) Act 1998" placing responsibility for the report on the Defence Secretary.

The report would include the number who receive the pensions, an assessment of their value, and what plans there were to improve the pensioners' financial situation.

Bolton North West Labour Backbencher Mr Crausby said: "The Government should report on a regular basis to war pensioners and their widows.

"We owe these men and women a great debt and must ensure their wellbeing in the later days of their lives.

"It is important that we know the true cost of the pensions concerned to allow us to urgently review and improve them.

"This would greatly assist Government and ensure that recipients don't suffer undue hardship."

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