§ 17. Mr. Worsleyasked the Minister of Social Security whether she will introduce legislation to enable widows' pension to be paid in arrears to widows, who having lived apart from their hubsands were not aware of the fact of their husband's death, whatever the period which may have elapsed since that date.
§ Miss HerbisonI am aware of the effect of the time limits on claims to benefits. They apply to all benefits, however, and it is not possible to consider any particular aspect in isolation.
§ Mr. WorsleyWould the right hon. Lady agree to look at all these aspects in her review? Is she aware that it is very harsh on a woman who may be living apart from her husband, and who has no reason to know of his death, to find subsequently that she is not able to draw money to which she was entitled?
§ Miss HerbisonHelp is given to such women. It may be difficult for them to go to the local offices from time to time to see whether anything has happened, but if they do—and some women do—then they get the information and are 13 able to make application for their pensions when the time arrives. But I agree with the hon. Member that this question of time limit—not just in this case but applying to all benefits—is one which we hope to have looked at.