§ 15. Mr. Keenanasked the Minister of National Insurance how many widows under 50 years of age, and how many over 50 years of age, respectively, are receiving 10s. per week widow's pension.
§ Mr. KeenanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the hardship experienced by many of these widows, particularly those over 50, many of whom are unable to work? Is he further aware that unless he alleviates the position by means of the Insurance Measure which he is introducing, these widows, many of whom are unable to work, will not qualify for anything beyond the 10s. which they are now getting? This is a serious problem; I know it is not of the right hon. Gentleman's making, but I ask him seriously to look into the matter with a view to assisting, if not the under 50s, at any rate the over 50s.
§ Mr. PeakeI am sure the hon. Gentleman appreciates that the 10s. widows' rate is a hangover from the old scheme, and that corresponding widows under the new scheme would for the most part not receive a pension at all. These widows are, for the most part, in employment and these are entitled to all the benefits for unemployment, sickness, and so on, under the new Acts, and on attaining 60 they will automatically obtain the higher rate of pension.
§ Mr. KeenanYes, but would the Minister look into the problem, because many widows are unable to work after 50 years of age—I am sure that other Members also know of these cases—and 1001 unless something is done for them they cannot possibly qualify for the increased widows' pension?