HC Deb 27 March 1961 vol 637 cc943-4
24. Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister of Labour what is his estimate of the average earnings of the employed widow of the class who are paying full National Insurance contributions.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. John Hare)

In October, 1960, the average weekly earnings of women, including widows, working full-time in the industries covered by the Ministry's half-yearly inquiries were £7 8s. 4d.

Mr. Lawson

Does not this reply indicate that the Minister cannot tell what is the position of these women about whom we asked him? Does it not seem to be the case that very many of these women are likely to be working as charladies earning very small wages and, when the National Health Service Bill is in full operation, paying a contribution of 8s. 8d. a week? Will he make an effort to find out exactly what is the average for this type of widow?

Mr. Hare

The hon. Member is quite right; it is very difficult to give figures any more definite than those which I have given. It should be remembered, however, that although contributions have gone up benefits have more than doubled.

Mr. Manuel

Surely the Minister recognises that this information is in his Department and that by a little research by his officials this figure could be secured. If the House wants it, in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Motherwell (Mr. Lawson), he should endeavour to get it in order that we can form a conclusion as to the average earnings of these women.

Mr. Hare

I assure the hon. Member that if it had been easy for me to give the information I should certainly have given it, but I am right and he is wrong; it would be extremely difficult to give this information.