§ 67. Mr. TINKERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of a considerable body of opinion which is in favour of the amending of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Pensions Act so as to entitle wives of insured persons to have a pension when the husband attains the age of 65, even though the wives have not reached that age; and what he intends to do?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. W. S. Morrison)I am aware that this proposal is advocated in some quarters, though I am not aware that it commands more support than others of the many extensions in all directions of the old age and contributory pensions schemes which are also advocated. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 9th December last.
§ Mr. TINKERMay I press the hon. and learned Gentleman for a more definite reply? Can he say whether it is the intention of the Government to deal with this matter in the King's Speech at the beginning of next Session?
§ Mr. MORRISONI think the hon. Gentleman would be well advised to await the King's Speech.
§ Mr. MATHERSIs it not recognised by the Government that this is a most serious flaw in the Act?
§ Mr. MORRISONThis is only one of various extensions which are always being advocated, and I have no doubt that each hon. Member thinks his own particular extension the most important.
§ Mr. THURTLEAre we to understand from the hon. and learned Gentleman's reply that the King's Speech is likely to contain a satisfactory statement on this point?