§ 83. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of National Insurance if he is yet in a position to say how many widows in Scotland are in receipt of 10s. a week only; and when he will be in a position to review these payments, so as to make for these widows provision commensurate with the increased cost of living.
§ Mr. PeakeThe answer to the first part of the Question is approximately 25,000. As regards the second part of the Question I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply given below to my hon. Friend the Member for Finchley (Mr. J. E. Crowder).
181W
§ 84. Mr. J. E. Crowderasked the Minister of National Insurance if he will increase the pensions of widows who are at present only receiving 10s. per week.
§ 88. Mr. G. Jegerasked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is now in a position to increase the pension of 10s. at present being received by many widows.
§ 89. Captain Ryderasked the Minister of National Insurance if he can now say when he expects to be able to announce the increased pensions for those widows who are only entitled to 10s. a week.
§ Mr. PeakeNo. Most of these widows are working and are fully covered by the National Insurance Scheme: If necessary help can be obtained from the National Assistance Board. I do not think there is any ground for reviewing this type of pension which was carried over from the old scheme and has no counterpart in the modern National Insurance arrangements.