AN ABERGAVENNY mother whose son was killed after fighting in Afghanistan said yesterday she was “disgusted” that more than £47 million worth of bonuses were paid to Ministry of Defence civil servants this year.

Official figures also showed a total of £287,809,049 was paid out in bonuses to civil servants since 2003, the year Britain went to war in Iraq.

The figures have sparked anger among many of the families of soldiers who have been killed fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Hazel Hunt’s son Private Richard Hunt was the 200th soldier to die from fighting in Afghanistan.

He died on August 13 aged 21 after being wounded in an explosion while on a vehicle patrol near Musa Qala in Helmand Province.

Mrs Hunt said she yesterday realised decisions about bonuses were made some months ago but said for this to happen at a time when soldiers are fighting for their lives is another “blunder” by the government.

She said: “I don’t see many of the civil servants on £17,000 a year which my son was on.”

Mrs Hunt said: “The problem is that the Government’s always playing catch up. They don’t forward think.”

She described the money as “blood money” and said £10 million could have been spent on helicopters to save lives.

She said: “Our lads are out there putting their lives on the line.”

Gordon Brown said he will be examining any questions raised over the bonuses.

He said some of the recipients of bonuses had been out to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Speaking as he visited an engine manufacturing plant in Gillingham, Kent, Mr Brown said: "If there are any questions asked over the bonuses, I will examine them.

"I've got to say that some of the people who have received help have been working out in the field and people that have been supporting people out there.

"We want to send a message of support to our armed forces.”

Conservative MP Patrick Mercer slams MoD bonuses