HC Deb 01 March 1972 vol 832 cc406-7
38. Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Lord President of the Council what is his policy towards the proposal in Command Paper No. 4836 that widows of Members of Parliament are not to be given the option to commute any portion of their pension, and although these are payable for life, they are to cease on remarriage or cohabitation, in view of the fact that the same conditions do not apply to widowers of Members of Parliament.

Mr. Whitelaw

The only difference so far as Members' widows and widowers specifically are concerned relates to cessation of pension on cohabitation. The Government propose to implement the recommendation of the Boyle Committee so that this difference is removed.

Dame Joan Vickers

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware that this matter affects not only Members of Parliament but also some members of the Civil Service and the Armed Forces? Will he look into it?

Mr. Whitelaw

I take note of what my hon. Friend says. We are putting the position straight in accordance with the Boyle Committee recommendation.

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