§ Mr. SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will take steps to remove the anomaly whereby a widow may claim a range of benefits on the death of her husband the level of which is dependent on his contribution record, whereas a widower is not eligible for any such benefits although his wife's earnings may have contributed equally or solely to the family's income.
§ Mr. Peter LloydA draft European Community directive which aims to complete the process of implementing the principle of equal treatment for men and women in statutory and occupational social security schemes is currently under consideration. This directive, if implemented in its present form, would require the application of equal treatment to benefits for survivors.