Widows' Pensions (Hansard, 23 November 1948)

§ 32. Mr. N. Macpherson
asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will raise pensions granted to widows of those killed in the 1914–18 war in order to bring them into line with the increased cost of living.

§ Mr. Marquand
The standard rate of pension for widows of those killed in the 1914–18 war is the same as that payable to widows of the 1939 war. It has been increased substantially since the outbreak of the last war and compares favourably with similar benefits payable under the other social service schemes. I regret that in the present circumstances I cannot promise any increase.

§ 33. Mr. Odey
asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the fact that recipients of the war widows' pension are now called upon to pay a contribution of 3s. 8d. a week to the National Health Insurance, he will reconsider the whole basis of this pension in the light of this additional expense on top of the rising cost of living.

§ Mr. Marquand
The requirement to pay National Insurance contributions is, of course, a general one and I am unable to take this consideration into account in relation to a particular class of pensioner. A widow may claim exemption from contributions if her income is less than £2 a week. Children's allowances are not regarded as income. A widow who qualifies for old age pension by paying her contributions will receive the old age pension without any reduction of her war widow's pension.

§ Mr. Odey
Does not the Minister feel that by their cheeseparing attitude in this matter the Government are not discharging the duty which the nation owes to those who lost their lives in the war and left dependants in our care?

§ Mr. Marquand
We are talking about insurance under the National Insurance Regulations applicable to all citizens. I do not understand the reference to cheese-paring in this matter at all.

§ Mr. Willis
In view of a certain amount of dubiety which seems to exist about the payment of pensions, will my hon. Friend make it known that there will be duplication of payment in these cases.

§ Mr. Marquand
I carefully introduced that sentence into my answer in the hope that it would became publicly known that a widow who qualifies for old age pension by paying her contributions will receive the old age pension without any reduction of her war widow's pension.