HC Deb 25 July 1955 vol 544 cc85-6W
60. Mr. Kirk

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will consider an amendment to the Royal Warrant to permit war widows being maintained under court order at the time of their husband's deaths to receive the full amount of war pension applicable, had they not been so maintained.

Mr. Peake

A war widow who was separated from her husband receives the normal widow's pension if she was receiving support from her husband of a like amount. Where, however, the husband's support was less, the widow's pension is restricted to the amount of the husband's support. I do not think I should be justified in altering this long standing arrangement.

63. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance when he expects the report of the National Insurance Advisory Committee on the case of widows receiving 10s. per week.

Mr. Peake

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Poole (Captain Pilkington) on 4th July.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many war widows who are receiving dependant's war pensions in respect of the death of their husbands are subjected to a reduced rate of retirement pension under Statutory Instrument No. 612 of 1948; and what would be the cost of abolishing this reduction.

Mr. Peake

I regret that no separate information about war widows affected by this Statutory Instrument is available.