§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the hardships now suffered by widows who are not themselves qualified for old age pensions, but whose pension entirely ceases when their youngest child attains the age of 16 years, and who are thereafter left destitute; and whether he will bring forward legislation to do away with this anomaly?
§ Mr. ElliotAs regards the first part of the question, the position is that these widows are, in general, entitled to a renewed pension on reaching the age of 55. As regards the second part, I am afraid that I cannot undertake to introduce legislation to make pension payable, in cases where it has lapsed, for these widows at an earlier age than 55.