HC Deb 19 November 1973 vol 864 cc353-4W
Sir F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the approximate cost to the Exchequer of giving free medical prescriptions, nursing care and medical aids to children under 18 years of age of all widows.

Mr. Alison

Information is not available to make a reliable estimate, but most of these children would already qualify for remission of charges on grounds of age or income.

about £540 million, £610 million or £710 million respectively. If it were to supersede attendance allowance, there would be an additional saving of up to about £60 million a year.