HC Deb 20 November 1941 vol 376 cc440-1
27. Mr. Leslie

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider increasing widows' pensions, in view of the growing increase in the cost of living which bears hardly on widows, especially those with young children, who are forced, by circumstances, to rely on public assistance?

Mr. E. Brown

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar Question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. Garro Jones) on 18th November.

Mr. Leslie

In view of the feeling in the country and in the House, could not legislation be introduced if it is necessary, as a short Bill could be passed through quickly?

Mr. Brown

It is not as simple as that, because it would affect the contributions to the pensions insurance schemes.

Mr. Buchanan

Cannot the Minister consider alternative ways of taking these people off the local rates and public assistance?