§ Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what is the status in Southern Rhodesia of a coloured woman married to a white man; and what pension rights are enjoyed by her and her children in the event of her becoming a widow?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe fact that a coloured woman is married to a white man does not affect her status as a coloured person under the Southern Rhodesia Old Age Pensions Act, and she would retain this status if widowed. There is no scheme in Southern Rhodesia for the payment of pensions to widows as such, or to their dependants.
All cases of Government relief to persons under 60, or otherwise not eligible for Old Age Pensions are dealt with under measures for the relief of distress.
§ Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what are the respective contributions and qualifications 51W required by white and coloured people in Southern Rhodesia to obtain old age pensions?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe old age pensions scheme in force in Southern Rhodesia is not contributory. Pensions are payable under it to white and to coloured British subjects who have attained the age of 60 and are permanently resident in the Colony. Pensions may be granted up to £48 a year in the case of a white person and up to £24 in the case of a coloured person, subject in each case to a means test.