§ 69. Mr. Messerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the growing number of widows who are compelled to seek public assistance owing to the inadequacy of their pensions; and whether he is contemplating any change in 1057 the law to increase widows' pensions or which will enable widows to qualify for supplementary pensions?
§ Sir K. WoodI am not aware of any evidence that growing numbers of widows are applying for public assistance. As regards the second part of the Question, I am not at present in a position to add to the reply which I gave on 10th December to my hon. Friend the Member for Southend-on-Sea (Mr. Channon).