§ 5. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent representations he has received concerning the position of those widows under 50 years of age who receive no pension; and what steps he intends to take to alleviate their circumstances.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Mr. David Ennals)My right hon. Friend and I have had a number of individual representations on this subject, both directly and through hon. Members. My hon. Friend knows that the Government share his concern about the age 50 condition for widow's pension and that the proposals for the new scheme include provision of a scaled down flat-rate pension for existing widows who were aged between 40 and 50 at widowhood or when their widowed mother's allowance ceased.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs my hon. Friend aware that that does nothing in the mean- 4 while for those widows who are suffering considerable hardship? Will he further consider the matter with a view to alleviating that position until such time as the benefits accruing from the new scheme come into operation?
§ Mr. EnnalsThere has been an increase in the widow's pension level from 3rd November. As for the date when application of the new scheme can come in, we must await the Bill.
§ Lord BalnielAs we welcome the part of the White Paper which is designed to end the rigid age barrier which stops widows getting a pension, may I ask what would be the cost of bringing this part in before 1972?
§ Mr. EnnalsI should need notice of that question.