§ 3. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware that childless widows aged 50 to 60 receive a pension of 26s. a week and are allowed to earn 30s., while spinsters of the same age are compelled to pay full health insurance for 10 years longer to obtain the same pension, and are only allowed to earn 20s. a week, and so receive no compensation for paying for the longer period; and if he will take steps to rectify this anomaly.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI take the suggestion to be that pensions should be provided for unmarried women at an earlier age than 60, and I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply on this subject which I gave to the hon. Member for Bury (Mr. W. Fletcher) on 17th February last.
§ Mr. Charles WilliamsWill not the Minister give further consideration to raising the amount of 20s. which they are now allowed to earn?
§ Mr. GriffithsThat has nothing to do with this Question.