§ 14. Mr. Keenanasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what would be the cost yearly to the National Insurance Funds if the pensions of widows of 60 years of age or over, now receiving 10s. per week, were increased to the normal pension rate of 32s. 6d. per week.
§ Mr. TurtonThe direct additional annual cost to the National Insurance Fund would now be about £1¾ million.
§ Mr. KeenanWill the hon. Gentleman convey to his right hon. Friend the fact that pensioners in this class are in the unfortunate position of having had husbands who died too soon? They are getting only 10s. a week, and the time has arrived when, at any rate at the age of 60, they should be considered for the 32s. 6d. pension.
§ Mr. TurtonThe difficulty of taking that step is that it would be quite contrary to the whole position under the 1948 scheme. It would be a complete break with the 1946 Act. This group includes a very varied class of widows, but these matters will undoubtedly be kept in mind next year, when the quinquennial review is undertaken.