§ 56. Mr. Bateyasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a widow living in Spennymoor has been refused a widow's pension, whose husband joined the National Health Insurance in July, 1912, was seriously injured down a coal mine in May, 1914, and has been unable to work since, and died in January, 1937; and whether he will inquire into this case with a view to a pension being granted?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernays)I am aware of the facts of this case and as my right hon. Friend has already informed the hon. Member, the statutory conditions for the award of a widow's pension were not satisfied. I regret, therefore, that there is no possibility of a pension being granted.
§ Mr. BateyIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this man was injured in the spine by a fall of stone down a coal mine before all the payments had been made; has not a mistake been made in deciding this case under the 1925 Act instead of the 1929 Amending Act, because under the 1929 Act widows whose husbands made no payment whatever are paid a pension; and as it was not possible for this man to make all the payments, will be reconsider the case?
§ Mr. BernaysThis matter was thoroughly investigated, and I appreciate that it is a very hard case, but it was open to the husband to pay up the back contributions as he had a right to do. He did not exercise that right.
§ Mr. LoganIn view of the statement that has been made, is it not possible to pay up the sickness contributions due in order to qualify? Is it not possible to accept the remaining sums? There are only eight stamps to be added in order to 1793 qualify, and there would then be in regard to sickness benefit.
§ Mr. BateyIn view of the most unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the first opportunity.