§ 94. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is aware that the rule which subjects widows' pensions to an earnings rule inflicts hardship in many cases; when this rule was made; and, in view of the rise of the index figure for the cost of living 69W since then, what steps he intends to take to withdraw this earnings rule or to adjust it to the present cost of living.
§ Mr. MarplesNo. The rule was enacted in 1946 as part of the provisions governing widows' benefits. These are at present under review by the National Insurance Advisory Committee.
§ 95. Mr. Simonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what report he has received from the National Insurance Advisory Committee relating to the widowhood provisions of the National Insurance Scheme.
§ 102. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he is now in a position to give information regarding the pensions of those widows who only receive 10s.
§ Mr. MarplesI understand the Committee are now considering the terms of their Report on this subject, but I cannot forecast the date of its receipt.