HC Deb 01 August 1930 vol 242 c901
22. Mr. LONGBOTTOM

asked the Minister of Health, whether, in view of the decision of the Scottish Court of Session on the 14th instant regarding the interpretation of Section 5 (a) of the Pensions Act, 1925, so far as it affects voluntary contributors under Section 13 (1) of the Act, he will now be prepared to reconsider all those cases where widows have been declined pension on the grounds that at the date of death 104 weeks had not elapsed and 104 contributions had not been paid?

The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)

I am afraid I can do no more than refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Banff on the 10th July on this subject.

Mr. MILLS

In view of the large number of cases which occur and which disclose real hardship, is the Minister of Health prepared to reduce the amount of the contributions to an even number instead of 100?

Mr. GREENWOOD

There is not a large number of these cases that arise. The point is that there happens to be a slight difference in the law.

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Does he mean the 10th July this year?

Mr. GREENWOOD

Yes, the 10th of July this year.