§ 84. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of National Insurance if she is aware that widows approaching 60 years of age are allowed to qualify for pension on condition that they pay arrears of contributions; that these amounts are sometimes £10 and over; and if she will consider allowing this to be deducted from postwar credits, where these are due to the widow of this age.
Mr. B. TaylorMy right hon. Friend has no power to make an arrangement of this kind, which would be inconsistent with the principle that contributions are legally payable week by week as they fall due. In so far, however, as a widow is, under the regulations, permitted, for benefit purposes, to pay arrears after attaining pensionable age, she can use the proceeds of her post-war credits for the purpose if she applies for them in good time.