§ 18. Mr. RAPERasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that there is a widespread demand throughout the country that mothers' pensions should be paid to necessitous widows with children; and whether, in view of the general support which this question has received in this House, it is proposed to take steps to introduce legislation to this effect?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Dr. Addison)I recognise fully the importance of this matter, but under existing circumstances I can only refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar question asked by him on the 13th November, and to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for South Tottenham on the 5th November. The cost, even on the lowest estimate, would be very great indeed.
§ Dr. ADDISONI cannot make a statement on that point. It is a very complicated question.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are at the present moment widows of sailors and of men who built ships for this country living on 9s. 6d. a week, and having children to keep, and does he consider that a satisfactory state of affairs?
§ Dr. ADDISONNo, I do not, and I am not aware of the fact.