HC Deb 02 December 1963 vol 685 cc753-5
7. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance why the pension paid to widows aged 49 who married before 5th July 1948, and who have continued National Insurance contributions since their husbands' deaths is limited to 10s. shillings.

Mr. Wood

Under the present scheme a woman widowed under the age of 50 does not normally qualify for a continuing widow's benefit unless she has children. The 10s. pension is payable to some of these widows as a reserved right from previous legislation. Contributions paid during widowhood will qualify them for the retirement pension and other benefits of the present scheme.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it is much more difficult for a widow at the age of 50 to become re-employed than it is for younger ones? Will he consider the age of 50 rule which has been in existence, I know, for a very long time?

Mr. Wood

I will certainly bear in mind what my hon. Friend says.

Mr. H. Hynd

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the contributions during widowhood which he has mentioned swallow up practically the whole of the 10s. pension?

Mr. Wood

Certain relaxations can be made for women who are not working and, in any event, the 10s. widow who has to pay a contribution is better off than the widow in similar circumstances who, under the new scheme, is not receiving any pension at all.

29. Mr. J. Bennett

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what, in terms of 1946 prices, is the present value of the 10s. weekly pension now being paid to some widows.

Mr. Wood

5s. 4d., on the basis of the Retail Prices Index from June, 1947, and the Cost of Living Index for the earlier period.

Mr. Bennett

Will the Minister accept that his reply has been heard with a sense of shock by all hon. Members? Does not he agree that a continuation of this principle is quite indefensible, and will he seek an early opportunity to redress what is a very serious wrong?

Mr. Wood

I did not quite gather from the hon. Gentleman what was the principle the continuation of which was indefensible. It seems to me that what is shown by the reduction in the real value of the 10s. pension is that the lead which widows who receive it have over other widows in similar circumstances is rather less than it was. Since the House agreed that the basis of compensation for widows should be different, I do not think that there is any justification for bringing the lead back to where it was.

Mr. P. Williams

Will my right hon. Friend tell us how much of the decline occurred up to 1951?

Mr. Wood

I have not got that information now, but, if my hon. Friend will put down a Question, I shall be very happy to give the answer.