HC Deb 22 February 1972 vol 831 c249W
47. Mr. Boscawen

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total take-up so far of pensions payable to women who have been widowed between 40 and 50 years of age and the total cost of this benefit.

Mr. Dean

About 96,000 widows who were aged 40–49 when their husband died or their widowed mother's allowance ceased are now drawing a pension. It is estimated that the net additional cost is about £15 million a year.