HC Deb 07 November 1929 vol 231 cc1245-6
69. Mr. GOULD

asked the Minister of Health whether, in extending the right to become voluntary contributors to certain other classes under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill, he will make provisions to enable smallholders and small trades people to become insured persons under the present amending Bill?

Mr. GREENWOOD

As indicated in my speech on the Second Reading of the Bill, this matter belongs to the general survey of social insurance which is now in progress, and not to the present Bill.

70. Mr. GOULD

asked the Minister of Health the estimated number of widows which would be included in the amending Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill if the qualifying age was 50 years instead of the proposed 55 years now provided for in the Bill.

Mr. GREENWOOD

If the qualifying age for widows in Clause 1 of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill were reduced from 55 to 50, the effect would be to increase the number of widows who would become entitled to pensions not later than 1st January, 1931, from 295,000 to 350,000.

Mr. HARRIS

What is the real reason for drawing the line at 55?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The hon. Gentle man had better wait for the Debate which is to take place later on.

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