HC Deb 30 June 1938 vol 337 cc2114-5
50. Mr. Day

asked the Minister of Health the number of applications for widows' pension that have been rejected in England, Scotland, and Wales during the three years ended to the last convenient date?

Mr. Elliot

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Day

Are not the figures very substantial and can the Minister say how he reconciles those figures with the statements made by Government candidates at the last two elections?

Following is the answer:

The numbers of applications for widows' pensions under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act in England, Scotland and Wales which were rejected in each of the three years ended 31st December, were as follow:

In 1935 … … … 12,911
In 1936 … … … 12,788
and in 1937 … … … 12,141