§ 87. Mr. CLUSEasked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of widows with dependent children in England, Scotland, and Wales, and the number in receipt of Poor Law relief; and whether, after making due allowance for war widows in receipt of pension, he can state what is the estimated sum required to pay a pension of 15s. a week to each widow, other than a war widow, and 5s. a week for each child under the age of 16, other than those receiving pension owing to the death of their father from a war disability?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAccording to the last Census the number of widows in England and Wales stated to have dependent children is 306,000. There were 301,000 widows in respect of whom no statement was made as to dependent children. The number of widows with dependent children in receipt of Poor Law relief is approximately 55,000. I must refer the hon. Member to the Secretary for Scotland for the corresponding figures in that country. Inquiries are being made as to the cost of pensions for widows, but I am not in a position to supply any estimates.