§ 96. Mrs. Nicholasked the Minister of National Insurance how many widow pensioners under the old scheme have had their pensions increased to 26s. a week on the ground that on 5th July, 1948, they were suffering from an infirmity likely to render them incapable of self-support 35W for a prolonged period; and whether such claims can still be made.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe number of pensions which had been increased on this ground by the end of November was about 50,000. Some belated claims are still being received. The increase can only be given to existing widow pensioners on the basis of the widow's condition at the date on which the new scheme began, and the regulations accordingly require that claims must be made within the period of six months from 5th July, 1948, that is, not later than 5th January, 1949.