HC Deb 23 July 1929 vol 230 cc1099-100W
Mr. E. BROWN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the estimated number of widows of insured persons in Scotland who were over 50 years of age on 2nd January, 1926, or have since reached that age; how many such widows are in receipt of pensions; and the estimated cost of including the remainder?

Mr. W. ADAMSON

I regret that the information desired is not available.

Mr. BROWN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if any estimate has been made of the number of widows in Scotland at present in need but not in receipt of pensions; and, if so, what is the total, together with the estimated cost of including them in the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act?

Mr. ADAMSON

No estimate of the nature referred to in the first part of the question has been made, and I accordingly regret that the information desired in the second part is not available.

Mr. BROWN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the estimated number of widows in Scotland on 30th June, 1929; the number of such who were under 65 years of age; and how many widows between 65 and 70 years of age are in receipt of pensions under the 1925 Act?

Mr. ADAMSON

I regret that the information desired is not available. According to the 1921 Census, the number of women in Scotland described as widows was 202,565, of whom 113,546 were shown as being under 65 years of age.