Widows' Pensions

HC Deb 11 February 1959 vol 599 cc1165-7

14. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will now make a statement on his proposals for the improvement of widows' pensions governed by the present code.

27. Sir W. Anstruther-Gray

asked the Minister of Defence whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to officers' widows' pensions.

31. Sir E. Errington

asked the Minister of Defence whether he is now in a position to state the improvements in the Service widows' pensions of future widows of retired officers and other ranks, existing widows of retired officers and other ranks, and widows of retired officers and other ranks who by reason of their early date of retirement or widowhood cannot draw National Insurance benefit, respectively.

Mr. Sandys

It will be seen from paragraph 41 of the Defence White Paper, issued yesterday, that the Government have decided that the future widows of officers and other ranks who have already retired should, when entitled to a widow's pension, receive one-third of the pension the husband was drawing.

As regards existing widows, we are, as the House knows, examining whether there are valid grounds which would justify differentiating between them and other State pensioners. This is a highly complex matter, and will take some further time to settle.

Dame Irene Ward

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for this small step forward, which will be very much appreciated, may I ask whether I am to understand from certain suggestions which have been made in the Press today that the Cabinet is going to deal with these older widows as well as those who are covered by the Pensions (Increases) Act? Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that we have waited and they have waited a very long time on very low pensions? Will he bear in mind that if he cannot answer the Question fairly shortly, I shall have to try to divide the House on the Army Estimates?

Mr. Sandys

I think my hon. Friend will find that this subject is perhaps outside the scope of that debate. I should like to say that I am just as anxious as my hon. Friend, or anybody else in the House, to get this matter settled.

Dame Irene Ward

Good, good.

Mr. Sandys

But any adjustment of pensions in one category inevitably has repercussions on a whole series of other categories of State pensions. Therefore, a great many consultations must take place. But I assure my hon. Friend that all categories of existing Service widows are included in the scope of the examination which is now proceeding.

Sir E. Errington

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether, when he considers these matters, he will pay particular attention to the very difficult position of widows who are unable to draw National Insurance benefit?

Mr. Sandys

That point will not be overlooked.