§ 25. Mr. John E. Haireasked the Minister of National Insurance if she will now lift the ban on widows earning more than 30s. a week without loss of pension rights.
§ Dr. SummerskillI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Devizes (Mr. Hollis) on 14th March last.
§ Mr. HaireDoes the right hon. Lady realise how discouraging this 30s. limit is to widows who are willing and able to earn more, but will not if it means loss of pension rights, and will she not grasp this opportunity of championing women's rights?
§ Dr. SummerskillI think that the hon. Gentleman has not considered this point: I believe that the intention behind this regulation was to discourage widows with children from taking full-time employment because the children had already been deprived of one parent and it was felt that they should have the guidance and care of the other parent for some time.
§ Commander MaitlandCan the right hon. Lady say how much is saved by the Treasury by this extraordinarily mean arrangement?
§ Dr. SummerskillThat is another question.