HC Deb 20 May 1963 vol 678 cc15-6
21. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will introduce legislation to extend the widowed mother's allowance to cover boys and girls who have obtained university places but have to wait until they become available.

Mr. N. Macpherson

I have no statement to make on this matter.

Dame Irene Ward

Would I be right in interpreting that reply to mean that I shall get a satisfactory statement if I wait long enough? Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have been agitating about this for two years? Will he put a date to the time when he will be able to make a statement, in view of the fact that widowed mothers are at a tremendous disadvantage compared with married women and children who have two parents? When can we have a statement?

Mr.. Macpherson

I am well aware of my hon. Friend's interest and concern in this matter, but I am afraid that I cannot say when a statement can be made.

Dame Irene Ward

Cannot my right hon. Friend buck us up a bit?