HC Deb 17 November 1952 vol 507 c1372
2. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Minister of National Insurance how many widows are still only getting the 10s. rate of pension.

Mr. Peake

Approximately 210,000 women are drawing widows' pensions at the 10s. rate.

Mr. Hynd

Can the Minister see any prospect of improving the lot of these widows who are obviously those in the most unfortunate position under our social welfare schemes?

Mr. Peake

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the long discussions we had on this matter in Standing Committee on the National Insurance Bill in May last. I am only following the course taken by both my predecessors in refusing to increase these pensions for a class of woman who, under the new scheme, would not qualify for a pension at all.