§ Mr. David Steelasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now consider allowing widows tax relief on their pensions.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonIt would not be fair to treat widows' pensions differently from pensions paid to other people. The better way of helping those in need is by regular increases in the level of their pensions. We have already increased the standard widow's pension by more than 70 per cent. since February 1974, and there will be a further increase of £1.70 a week payable from 17th November.