§ 23. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of National Insurance how many of the 248,000 widows now in receipt of a widow's pension of 10s. a week are not in employment; and if she will take steps to assist those widows who are unable to supplement their pensions by remunerative employment.
§ Dr. SummerskillAlthough I cannot give precise statistics, tests based on contribution records indicate that some four-fifths of widows with pensions at the 10s. rate, are employed or self-employed. Widows who are unable to work may be entitled to unemployment or sickness benefit, and National Assistance also is, of course, always available.
§ Mr. AwberyIn view of the fact that the number of widows receiving 10s. a week and unable to work is small, would the Minister give consideration to embracing that number within the Insurance Act so that they receive 26s. a week the same as everyone else?
§ Dr. SummerskillI think I have explained before to my hon. Friend how difficult it is to integrate the two schemes. It is inevitable that there must be some anomalies, but I can assure my hon. Friend that if the comparatively few widows who need National Assistance will apply for it, they will find that they will be treated with every courtesy and understanding.
§ Mr. AwberyThat will be from the National Assistance Board and not from the Insurance Act?
§ Dr. SummerskillYes, Sir.