HC Deb 10 November 1927 vol 210 cc349-51
27. Mr. ROBINSON

asked the Minister of Health, seeing that under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act a married woman cannot become a voluntary contributor, and that, on the death of her husband (if over 70) on 4th January, 1926, she would not be eligible for pension unless left with children under 14 years of age, if he will consider making regulations permitting a woman who has at any time paid 104 contributions to become a voluntary contributor after she becomes a widow so that she may be eligible to receive a pension on reaching the age of 65?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no power under the Act to make any such regulation as is suggested, but I may point out that in the case cited the widow could become a voluntary contributor if she applied to do so before 2nd January last.

41. Mr. SEXTON

asked the Minister of Health the number of cases of the widows whose husbands when alive had regularly contributed to the National Health Insurance Fund who had applied for the widow's pension, but who were disqualified on the grounds that the death of their husbands occurred shortly before the year 1924; and if, in view of the hardships entailed in such cases of widows and orphans, he will consider the modification of the Regulations to meet such cases on their merits?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The hon. Member seems to be under some misapprehension. The fact that the death of the husband occurred shortly before 1924 would not be a valid ground for the rejection of a claim for a widow's pension. A widow's pension would be payable in the circumstances indicated in the question provided there was at least one child under the age of 14.

73. Mr. ERNEST BROWN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland Whether he proposes to make any statement for the information of aged persons in Scotland as to the conditions under which old age pensions at 65 years of age may be applied for and obtained?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Leaflets explaining the conditions under which Contributory Old Age Pensions become pay- able after the 2nd January, 1928, to insured persons and their wives between the ages of 65 and 70, are obtainable on request at any post office. In addition, the conditions in question have been given extensive publicity by means of newspaper articles and advertisements and by notices displayed in public places. The method of application on forms obtainable at all Post Offices has received similar publicity.

Mr. BROWN

Is not the Secretary of State aware that some of the decisions to which he refers disagree, and the result is that there is a good deal of confusion in the minds of persons as to the terms on which these pensions are payable? Is it not desirable that he should issue a short, simple statement, on his authority, so that such persons can really know how they are entitled to get pensions?

Sir J. GILMOUR

As far as I understand, ample information is given in all public places, but I will look into the matter.