§ 41 and 42. Mr. Woodburnasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he is aware of the hardship of widows of superannuated persons whose death terminates payments; and whether he is prepared to facilitate some arrangement for superannuation payments being modified and payable to widows;
(2) whether he is aware of the hardship to widows of persons whose superannuation payments cease with their deaths; and whether, in any readjustment of the pensions schemes, consideration will be given to such persons?
§ Sir K. WoodI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the widows of Civil Service pensioners. Provision already exists for the payment of Pensions to such widows. Under Section 2 of the Superannuation Act, 1935, a retiring civil servant may, subject to proof of good health, surrender part of his pension in order to secure a pension for his widow or other dependant.
§ Mr. WoodburnWould the Chancellor keep in mind all these superannuated persons, because great hardship exists when suddenly superannuation payment ceases and the widow is, perhaps, left destitute? When the proposals come forward for a reconsideration of the general pensions scheme, will these widows be kept in mind?
§ Sir K. WoodI have no doubt that my hon. Friend will remind the House on suitable occasions.