HC Deb 16 November 1953 vol 520 cc1397-8
48. Mr. John Hall

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what would be the estimated saving to National Assistance Board funds if the

which now make sickness benefit as advantageous to them as extended unemployment benefit was.

Following are the figures:

pensions paid to the widows of policemen who died before 5th July, 1948, were brought into line with the pensions paid to widows of policemen who died after that date.

Mr. Peake

The National Assistance Board regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Hall

Is the Minister aware that an estimate has been made that about £50,000 might be saved in this way and, if that is so, would he like to draw the attention of his right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary to this fact in the hope that he might reconsider the payment of pensions to all widows of this class, which, I understand, would not cost more than £203,000?

Mr. Peake

As my hon. Friend is aware, the National Assistance Board pay attention to present needs rather than to the previous employment of the husband of the widow whom they are assisting, but if my hon. Friend wishes to pursue this point perhaps he will put down a Question to the Home Secretary.