§ 17. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health the number of new old age pensions awarded and the number of old age pensions increased, respectively, under the provisions of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act?
§ Sir K. WOODOn the latest figures available, the number of new old age pensions awarded in England, Scotland and Wales is 108,421, and the number of old age pensions increased is 14,679.
§ 18. Sir WALTER de FRECEasked the Minister of health the number of pensions and allowances which have been awarded to widows and orphans to the latest available date, and how this figure compares with the actuarial estimate?
§ Sir K. WOODOn the latest information available, the following pensions have been awarded:
No actuarial figures are available in this case.
To pre-Act Widows 130,870 as against an actuarial estimate of 196,000 To pre-Act orphans 13,763 With regard to post-Act pensions, the numbers awarded are
It is not possible at present to compare these latter figures with the actuarial estimates, which cover longer periods than that which has elapsed.
Widows … … 36,448 Orphans … … 1,260
Mr. BECKETTCan the hon. Gentleman say how many widows and orphans have been refused pensions under the last Act?
§ Sir K. WOODIf the hon. Member will put a question down, I will endeavour to give an answer.