HC Deb 03 June 1937 vol 324 cc1163-4
43. Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what would be the approximate cost of the provision of old age pensions to the wives of recipients of old age pensions who fail to qualify because they have not reached the age of 65; and whether, in view of the hardship caused, he will take steps to remove this anomaly in the existing Act?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)

I estimate that the cost would be £6,500,000 a year rising to £8,000,000 a year in ten years' time. This estimate does not include the consequential extensions if the proposal were adopted which would probably more than double the expenditure. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 27th May last to the hon. Members for Springburn (Mr. Hardie) and Rotherham (Mr. Dobbie).

Mr. Griffiths

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask him whether he will represent to the Government that it is desirable that the House of Commons should be given an opportunity of expressing their view, and whether they think this money should be spent? Further, is he aware that there is a growing opinion in the country that this anomaly in our social insurance ought to be removed?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I have taken notice of what the hon. Member says, but I cannot add anything to what I have said.

Mr. Gallacher

Can the right hon. Gentleman see any other direction in which money could be better spent than in this direction?