58. Marquess of TITCHFIELDasked the Minister of Health the number of widows registered in this country at the last Census?
Mr. GREENWWODAt the 1921 Census there were enumerated in England and Wales 1,621,758 females who were described as widowed.
59. Marquess of TITCHFIELDasked the Minister of Health the number of widows receiving benefit under the Widows', Orphans' and Contributory Pensions Act, 1929?
§ Mr. GREENWOOD16,079 widows have been granted widows' pensions as from 2nd January, 1930, as a result of the provisions of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1929. I would, however, remind the hon. and gallant Member that the majority of the widows who will benefit by the provisions of that Act will not become entitled to pensions before 1st July next.
Marquess of TITCHFIELDDoes not that show that the performances of the Socialist party in this matter are not on all-fours with their promises at the last election?
§ Sir K. WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us what is going to be done for all the other widows in need?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI will say what we tried to do, and what was opposed by the right hon. Gentleman and his friends.