SPINSTERS

HC Deb 25 July 1944 vol 402 cc598-9W

Major Woolley

asked the Minister of Labour how many spinsters between the ages of 55 and 60 years are employed in beneficial occupations.

Mr. Bevin

It is estimated that there are approximately 100,000 spinsters aged 55 and under 60 in paid employment in Great Britain, exclusive of private domestic servants, for whom figures are not available.

Major Woolley

asked the Minister of Health what would be the annual cost of granting a pension of 10s. a week to all spinsters on attaining the age of 55 who are insured under the National Health and Pensions Scheme.

Sir J. Anderson

I have been asked to reply. The cost would be £2,800,000 a year approximately. My hon. and gallant Friend will realise, however, that the concession of a reduction of pension age could not be restricted to the particular class of woman mentioned in the Question.