§ Mr. Rhodesasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many widows did not receive the full amount of widow's allowance for the first 13 weeks after their husband's death because the necessary contributions conditions were not met, for the latest available 12 months period.
§ Mr. PentlandIt is estimated that the number in any year is between 6–7,000.
§ Mr. Rhodesasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what would be the cost of extending the widow's allowance for the first 13 weeks after their husband's death to all widow's irrespective of age or circumstances.
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§ Mr. PentlandTo pay widow's allowance at the standard rate for the first 13 weeks of widowhood to all those widows who do not now qualify for it, irrespective of the age and other conditions provided in the National Insurance Acts, would cost about £3 million a year.