HC Deb 23 October 1941 vol 374 c1924W
Mr. Mort

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that discontent is prevalent because the widows' pension is not, in any way, supplemented to meet the increased cost of living; and if he is prepared to remedy this?

Mr. E. Brown

An increase in the amount of the widows pension payable under the Contributory Pensions Acts would necessitate raising still further the weekly contributions payable by employers and workers under these Acts, and I could not in present circumstances undertake to introduce legislation for this purpose. I may remind my hon. Friend that a widow pensioner who has attained the age of 60 is eligible for a supplementary pension in case of need.