§ 4. Sir R. Nugentasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will state a case for consideration by the High Court as to whether the contributions under the Contributory Pensions Acts paid in respect of the late Mr. William Comins, from 1942 to 1946, do not entitle his widow to a widow's pension.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe contributions referred to were payments made by Mr. Comins' employer on the basis that Mr. Comins was not an insured person. Mrs. Comins was disallowed widow's benefit following a decision that in these circumstances the contribution conditions for such benefit were not 924 satisfied in her case. As my hon. Friend is aware, the reasons for the decision have been fully explained to her on several occasions, but I am arranging for a formal statement of the grounds of the decision to be sent to her, on the basis of which she can, within 21 days of its receipt, if she is advised that a point of law arises, ask for the issue to be determined by the High Court.
§ Sir R. NugentIs my right hon. Friend aware that his decision, which in this case is a generous one, will be received with gratitude both by my constituent and by myself?
§ Mr. CollickCan the Minister tell us why it has taken so long to reach the decision which he has now announced?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe decision was reached a good many years ago. The new point in the matter is the request made by my hon. Friend, on behalf of his constituent, that it should be in a form which would render it possible to appeal to the High Court.