HC Deb 24 July 1967 vol 751 c41
29. Mr. Brooks

asked the Minister of Social Security if she will now restore the position whereby women qualify for pension if widowed at the age of 45 or over.

Mr. Pentland

Age 50 has always been the age test for widow's pension under the National Insurance Act for a childless widow. I would refer my hon. Friend to the Written Reply my right hon. Friend gave my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, West (Mr. Oakes) on 26th June. —[Vol. 749, c. 3.]

Mr. Brooks

Would not the moment when emergency help is about to be given to large families be a very fitting time for relieving the burden on women of middle age who are bereaved and who are denied the consolations of family life?

Mr. Pentland

I have a good deal of sympathy with what my hon. Friend says, but, as my right hon. Friend and I have said on more than one occasion, widows' benefits are one of the issues which we are considering in the review.