HC Deb 28 March 1950 vol 473 c168
23. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Walter Smiles

asked the Minister of National Insurance what would be the approximate cost if all widows over 50 years of age, whose husbands were insured, received a pension of 26s. per week, instead of only those widows whose husbands died after July, 1948.

Dr. Summerskill

The approximate additional cost of amending the National Insurance Act to provide a pension of 26s. for all widows over the age 50, whose husbands were insured, would be £8 million in the first year. I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that pensions of 26s. are paid to many women widowed before July, 1948.