HC Deb 17 November 1958 vol 595 cc817-8
10. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the number of war pensions in payment to widows bereaved as a result of service in the 1914–18 war; and whether he will consider taking steps to improve the position of these war widows by extension of the rent allowance or introduction of a special incapacity allowance for elderly war widows.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Eighty thousand six hundred on 30th June. My hon. Friend will be aware that earlier this year an improvement of 13s. 6d. a week was made in the standard rate of war widow's pension. I think this was a better way of dealing with the problem than the institution of new special allowances, but I am continuing to watch closely the position of war widows.

14. Mrs. Butler

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many war widows receiving National Assistance grants have suffered a reduction in the grant since the recent increase in war pensions; and what percentage of the total number of war widows receiving National Assistance this figure represents.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Since the effect of the increase referred to was to reduce need for National Assistance, all of the war widows then receiving assistance—some 4,000—had their assistance reduced or, in some cases, withdrawn. As, however, the national assistance rates were increased at the same time, they all received a net increase in income.

Mrs. Butler

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that it was a great disappointment and real hardship to many elderly war widows that these grants were reduced? Should not these people enjoy a greater benefit from increased pension by receiving a further increase of their present income? Will he look at this matter again so that these people may have better conditions than those which they now enjoy as a result of a reduction of grant?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Hon. Members cannot have it both ways. They complain when recipients of these pensions have to resort to National Assistance. It is therefore a little illogical to say that when increased scales of pension reduce their reliance on Assistance this should also be a subject of criticism.

Mrs. Butler

It is not a matter of logic; it is a matter of hardship.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I accept that the hon. Lady's Question is not based on logic.

15. Mrs. Butler

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what consideration he has given to the financial position of elderly war widows who have suffered a reduction in circumstances due to recent rent increases; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As I said in reply to an earlier Question, I am closely watching the position of war widows. My information, however, is that the proportion of cases of elderly widows with serious rent problems is very small.

Mrs. Butler

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the local war pensions committees have before them many cases of elderly widows outside the scope of National Assistance who are suffering hardship from rent increases under the Rent Act? Could not the right hon. Gentleman enable them to have some grant from the National Assistance Board to cover this increase in rent?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As I am sure the hon. Lady is aware, there are means of obtaining help in individual cases for those who are above assistance level. My welfare officers are well aware of these and are often able to arrange them. As to the main part of my answer, it is a fact that inquiries, which it is my duty continuously to see that my welfare officers undertake, show that the number of cases of difficulty arising as a result of rent problems is small and is tending to decrease.