§ 42. Mr. Willisasked the Minister of National Insurance if he will give an estimate of the cost which would be incurred by the National Assistance Board in paying the insurance contributions for those widows between the ages of 50 and 60 years, whose husbands died before 5th July, 1948, and who are in receipt of payments from the Board in supplementation of their 10s. pension.
§ 41. Mr. William Rossasked the Minister of National Insurance how many widows whose husbands died before 5th July, 1948, and who are between 50 and 60 years of age, are in receipt of payments from the National Assistance Board.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe National Assistance Board inform me that the number of such widows cannot be precisely stated but they estimate that there are about 17,000 widows in receipt of assistance supplementary to a 10s. pension. The 2240 cost to the Board of paying national insurance contributions in respect of these widows at the rate for non-employed persons is estimated at about £160,000 a year. The total cost to the Exchequer cannot be precisely estimated.
§ Mr. WillisIn view of the comparatively small cost, would my right hon. Friend consider the suggestion in the Question?
§ Mr. GriffithsThat is a matter of policy, which the Assistance Board themselves will have to consider.
§ Mrs. RidealghWould my right hon. Friend consider paying the contributions of those widows who have no income other than 10s. a week?
§ Mr. GriffithsI have no power to pay contributions; they must be paid by those from whom they are due. The question whether assistance should include any kind of contribution is a matter of policy for the Board to decide.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonAs the Minister has power to remit contributions would he not exercise that power?
§ Mr. GriffithsI have power to credit people with contributions in certain circumstances, but the hon. Member will appreciate that that would have an effect on the contributions to be paid by others.