HC Deb 27 June 1966 vol 730 cc1214-5
15. Mr. Rose

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many deserted wives were in receipt of National Assistance during each of the last five years; and how many of these had maintenance orders in their favour.

Mr. Pentland

As the Answer consists of a table of figures I will, with permission, circulate the reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Rose

Does not my hon. Friend agree that it is time that early action was taken about the widespread evasion of maintenance and protection orders through husbands changing employment? Is there not some method of endorsing the National Insurance card with information about an order?

Mr. Pentland

I take note of that suggestion and will look into it.

Following is the Table:

APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF SEPARATED WIVES RECEIVING NATIONAL ASSISTANCE
End of Year In receipt of National assistance Thousands Maintenance Order in existence
1961 … … 84 33
1962 … … 91 35
1963 … … 102 40
1964 … … 103 43
1965 … … 104 43

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