§ Mr. Brooksasked the Minister of Social Security how many young widows received sickness benefits and other 287W social security payments, during the financial year 1966–67; and what was the total amount paid under the various categories.
§ Mr. PentlandSickness benefit, unemployment benefit and Supplementary Benefit statistics do not distinguish young widows and it is not possible to estimate how many are receiving those benefits. The following table lists the other principal social security benefits in payment to widows under 50 at 31st December, 1966.
Benefit Estimated number of beneficiaries at 31st December, 1966 National Insurance widow's benefit (including widow's allowance—12,000, and widow's basic pension —21,000) 116,000 War widow's pension 11,000 Industrial injuries death benefit 7,000 The approximate annual cost of the benefits listed at the rates then current is of the order of £45 million a year.
§ Mr. Brooksasked the Minister of Social Security what was the number of days' work lost due to ill health by young widows in employment in 1966.
§ Mr. PentlandThe available information about days' work lost relates to sickness benefit and this does not distinguish widows. Widows getting full national insurance widow's benefit would not qualify additionally for sickness benefit. Widows in employment who are not receiving a national insurance widow's benefit would normally qualify for sickness benefit either on their own insurance or under the special cover provided for them after their widow's benefit ends.