§ 109. Mr. Scottasked the Minister of National Insurance if, as a result of a recent case of which she has had notice, she will instruct the officials of her Department to alter their practice of refusing to accept as conclusive evidence of widowhood a marriage certificate and a death certificate of the husband.
Mr. B. TaylorA marriage certificate is normally accepted as sufficient evidence of marriage but exceptionally, as in the case mentioned by the hon. Member, facts are brought to notice which make further inquiries necessary before the statutory authorities, who decide these claims, can determine whether the statutory conditions for benefit are satisfied or not.
§ Mr. A. Lewisasked the Minister of National Insurance the number of widowed mothers with one child in receipt of 6s. 6d. per week, or more, from the National Assistance Board at any stated date and the total amounts paid.
Mr. B. TaylorI regret that the precise information desired by my hon. Friend is not available. The number of widows in receipt of widowed mother's allowances who are also receiving regular assistance grants from the National Assistance Board is estimated to be 40,000.