HC Deb 26 February 1981 vol 999 c957
3. Mr. Trippier

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from the National Association of Widows concerning the forthcoming Budget.

Mr. Peter Rees

I met representatives of the National Association of Widows on 17 February. At that meeting the association said that it welcomed the new widow's bereavement allowance, which we introduced last year, and explained its views on other matters affecting the tax position of widows.

Mr. Trippier

Does my hon. and learned Friend agree that working widows have a strong case for tax relief on part of their pension? Acknowledging that the Government have been good enough to waive tax on war widows' pensions, does my hon. and learned Friend agree that many of the difficulties faced by war widows are exactly the same as those faced by all widows, especially those who work?

Mr. Rees

I recognise that the point made by my hon. Friend on behalf of that group, for whom the whole House has sympathy, is felt with great force by it. In many cases working widows have a larger income—even though they assert, rightly, that they have considerable responsibilities—than many single women or working wives. I take note of the point that my hon. Friend makes, but once again I cannot anticipate my right hon. and learned Friend's Budget Statement.