§ 2. Mr. Perrinsasked the Minister of National Insurance the number of single women between the ages of 55 and 60 years who are insured under the National Insurance Scheme.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIt is estimated that the number of single women between the ages of 55 and 60 years, who are at present insured under the Contributory Pensions Acts is about 180,000. This figure includes about 30,000 special voluntary contributors who took up insurance under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Pensions (Voluntary Contributors) Act, 1937.
§ Mr. PerrinsIn view of the fact that this figure reveals that this class of insured contributor is relatively small, having regard to the total number of contributors, will my right hon Friend consider granting the claims of the spinsters for a retiring pension at the age of 55?
§ Mr. GriffithsThat is another question.