§ 92. Mr. Keenanasked the Minister of National Insurance how many widows under the age of 60 years and how many widows over the age of 60 years, were receiving 10s. per week pensions at the end of June, 1953.
§ Mr. PeakeApproximately 180,000 widows under the age of 60 and 30,000 widows over the age of 60 were receiving 10s. pensions at the end of June, 1953.
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§ 93. Mr. Keenanasked the Minister of National Insurance what would be the cost to the insurance funds if the present 10s. per week pensions of widows under the age of 60 years were increased to the standard rate of 32s. 6d. per week; and the cost if the pensions of 10s. per week of widows over the age of 60 years were increased to the standard rate of 32s. 6d. per week.
§ Mr. PeakeThe additional cost to the National Insurance Fund would at present be about £10¾ million a year for widows under the age of 60 and about £1¾ million a year for those over 60.
§ 95. Mr. Bowdenasked the Minister of National Insurance if he will increase the amount that widows may earn before a reduction is made in their pension, in view of the need for increased production.
§ Mr. PeakeThese amounts were substantially raised in 1951 and I see no ground for reviewing the provision then made.