HC Deb 05 July 1949 vol 466 cc1934-6
3. Mrs. Jean Mann

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he will consider providing that widows in receipt of 10s. weekly and 55 years of age or over, who have doctor's certificates that they are unfit to work qualify for 26s. weekly pension now and without waiting until they are 60 years of age.

Mr. J. Griffiths

As a temporary, transitional, arrangement special provision for increase of pensions to 26s. was made for such widows who were incapable of self-support at 5th July, 1948, irrespective of the date of their husbands' death. The right to claim under this arrangement expired on 5th January, 1949. Fifty-seven thousand widows benefited.

I cannot undertake to extend the provision to include widows, not covered by the permanent provisions of the Act, who did not apply within the period allowed or did not become incapable of self-support until after 5th July last.

Mrs. Mann

Does my right hon. Friend realise that a widow of 55 who did not apply may not have applied because she wanted to test her physical ability to go out to work; that many of them did so test their physical ability and found they had grave physical disabilities and are now prevented from getting this increased pension? Does he not think it very unfair to the woman between 55 and 60?

Mr. Griffiths

We made this arrangement as generous as we could. There is a limit to the amount of restrospective action I can take under the Act. There was an opportunity for them to claim for six months. I am sorry, but we cannot extend it beyond that period.

Mrs. Florence Paton

Is it not possible for these women to seek the assistance of the National Assistance Board and so secure the help they need in that way?

Mr. Griffiths

Yes; 85 per cent. of widows before 5th July last year, who were getting the 10s. pension, are in employment.

Mr. Mathers

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that sufficient publicity was given to the rule which covers these pensions?

Mr. Griffiths

The fact that we have awarded the pension to 57,000 is clear proof of that it was generally known.

4. Mrs. J. Mann

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether his regulations provide that widows over 55 years of age and in receipt of supplementary allowance from the Assistance Board to bring their 10s. pension to 26s. weekly will qualify for 26s. pension when 60 irrespective of this assistance from the Board.

Mr. J. Griffiths

A widow pensioner who was over 55 on 5th July, 1948, can qualify for a full retirement pension from age 60 subject to the satisfaction of specially modified contribution conditions of which I am sending my hon. Friend particulars. The receipt of assistance in supplementation of a 10s. pension does not affect such a widow's rights at 60.

Mrs. Mann

Would my right hon. Friend acknowledge that if a widow between 55 and 60 has a daughter teaching and a son teaching, it completely nullifies any benefits she may get from the Assistance Board because she is subject to a means test?

Mr. Griffiths

I would like to see that question on the paper.