HC Deb 24 February 1927 vol 202 cc1914-5
62. Mr. TINKER

asked the Minister of Health the number of widows who have qualified to receive the pension under Section 18 of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

On the latest figures available for England, Scotland and Wales, 131,381 widows have been awarded pensions under Section 18 of the Contributory Pensions Act.

Mr. TINKER

Can we have details of the provision the right hon. Gentleman intends to make for these widows for the time when these pensions expire?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

There is no further provision.

Mr. STEPHEN

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to introduce legislation to provide further provision?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir.

85. Mr. ROBINSON

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mrs. Anas Knowles, of 10, Longshaw Street, Blackburn, claim No. Z. 58,758, who is in receipt of a dependant's pension of 9s. 7d. in respect, of a son lost in the War, and who, contrary to Section 24 of the Widows'. Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, has been awarded a pension of 5d. a week under the Act on the death of her husband; and whether he will reconsider this case?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The information before my Department when Mrs. Knowle's application was examined was to the effect that she was not the natural parent but the foster-parent of the deceased soldier. As regards the second part of the question, Mrs. Knowles has appealed against my decision to the referees appointed under the Act, who will in due course notify her of the result of her appeal.