§ 19. Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Health if he will consider altering the pensions law so as to permit women in the late fifties who have lost or never possessed pension rights to qualify upon completing five years' contributions.
§ Mr. WillinkThe question of old age pensions insurance is under consideration in connection with the Government's social insurance proposals, and I cannot undertake to introduce separate amending legislation on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LeachShould not these women who are now being enrolled for war service have some claim to insurable rights?
§ Mr. WillinkThat matter is, of course, being, considered in connection with the whole range of social insurance.
§ Mr. ShinwellWere not these social insurance proposals promised immediately after Easter? What has gone wrong now?
§ Mr. WillinkI have no recollection of any such promise.