§ 55. Mr. R. J. Taylorasked the Minister of Health whether he will see that widows of Service men who have been contributors under the National Health Insurance Act are not deprived of their widows' pension, which is a statutory right, because of any pension they may receive as a result of their husband's war service?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe contributions payable under the Contributory Pensions Act do not cover the risk of death due to war service, and it is accordingly provided in the Act that a widow who is in receipt of a dependant's war pension in respect of the death of her husband shall not be entitled to draw also a contributory widow's pension.
§ Mr. TaylorIs not the right hon.-Gentleman aware of the great hardship being caused to widows through the steps now being taken? Will he consult with the Minister of Pensions to see that they are not left in this position?
§ Mr. BrownI am quite willing to consult my right hon. Friend, but the House must understand that this is an issue which has been fully debated.
§ Sir J. NallIs it not a fact that a woman who is entitled to alternative pensions is allowed to take whichever is the higher?