§ 75. Mr. E. BROWNasked the Minister of Health the average monthly rate of increase in the number of widows drawing pensions in England and Wales, and the total number in receipt of pensions on 30th June, 1929?
§ Mr. GREENWOODAs regards the first part of the question, the average monthly rate of increase during the past year in the number of widows drawing widows' pensions in England and Wales was, in the case of widows whose husbands died on or after 4th January, 1926, 4,432. In the case of widows whose husbands died before 4th January, 1926, there was an average monthly decrease of 1,073, so that the net average monthly increase of widows drawing pensions was 3,359. As regards the second part of the question, the total number of widows in England and Wales in receipt of widows' pensions on 30th June, 1929, was 232,248, of whom 64,980 were widows of men who. died before 4th January, 1926.
§ 76. Mr. BROWNasked the Minister of Health how many widows have ceased to draw pensions in England and Wales on account of their youngest children having reached the age limit under the Act; and the estimated cost of re-including them?
§ Mr. GREENWOODAs regards the first part of the question, the number of widows in England and Wales who have ceased to draw pensions on account of their youngest children having reached the age limit under the Act is 30,936; the information asked for in the second part is not available.
§ Mr. BROWNIn view of the promises made by the Government during the Election, is the right hon. Gentleman taking steps to estimate the cost of re-including the pre-Act widows within the Act?
§ Mr. GREENWOODA large number of suggestions are in my office and are receiving my consideration.
§ Mr. BROWNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that replies I have received in the last 10 days show that the ignorance of his Department on this question is colossal?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSNotwithstanding the cost, is it not a fact that before the end of this year all the anomalies will be removed?
§ 78. Mr. GILLasked the Minister of Health whether consideration is being given to the position of those who, on reaching the age of 65, are automatically deprived of unemployment insurance benefits, but who, owing to a slight break in their health insurance contributions, are unable to receive the old age pension until several months following their reaching the age of 65 have elapsed, resulting in their having no income whatever during the intervening period?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI cannot at present add anything to the announcement made in the King's Speech that the Government are engaged on a general survey of the various National Insurance and Pension schemes.
§ Mr. GILLWill the right hon. Gentleman give special consideration to cases of hardship of the kind indicated in the 1488 question, when the amendment of the present Act is considered?
§ Mr. GREENWOODMost certainly this is one of the class of cases which will be considered.
§ Mr. GRAHAM WHITEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that people have been disallowed benefit when they reach the age of 65 and yet cannot obtain pensions from his Department because the latter is not satisfied that they have reached the age of 65, and will he take steps to see that a consistent policy is pursued?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI have already replied to a similar question saying that that is also one of the questions now under consideration.
82 and 83. Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Health (1) whether he can state if any steps are being taken to remove the hardships imposed upon widows whose pensions are stopped when their youngest child reaches the age of 14½ years, even when the child is continuing at school;
(2) whether he has under consideration the anomalies that arise under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Pensions Act, 1925; and whether he will remove the conditions which prevent wives and widows between 65 and 70 years of age receiving pensions?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI can give no information in anticipation of the introduction of the amending Bill of which I have given notice.