§ 4. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware that on the death of British workers who 1052 had been insured under the National Health Service Acts, but who had transferred to work in Southern Ireland, their widows are being denied widows' pensions; and whether he will take the necessary steps to correct this anomaly.
§ The Minister of National Insurance (Mr. James Griffiths)I understand the hon. Member has in mind the possibiltiy of reciprocal arrangements with Eire in the field of widows' pensions. The provisions of the present scheme of widows' pensions in Eire differ widely from those of the British scheme, and so far as can be seen at present, there is no practicable basis for a reciprocal agreement to allow contributions paid under one to be counted for benefits under the other. Should this position, however, change at any time the possibility of such an agreement would again be explored.
§ Mr. TurtonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the hardship suffered by the widows of men who have their work transferred from England to Southern Ireland? They lose the benefit of the widows' pension.
§ Mr. GriffithsYes, Sir, but the only possibility of preventing that is by reciprocal arrangement. We have examined this matter very carefully, but the difference between the two schemes is so wide at present that no possible basis exists for such an arrangement. If there is a change, however, I shall be glad to enter into such an arrangement.