§ Miss Boothroydasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations she has received from the War Widows' Association of Great Britain; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe Association has made representations about the level of war widows' pensions payable by my Department and has drawn attention to the benefits paid in other countries and by the Ministry of Defence under the new occupational pension scheme for members of the Armed Forces and their dependants. The Association has also represented that war widows' pensions should not be taxable, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that this is not a matter for my Department.
I am very conscious of the needs of war widows. Their pensions have been increased three times in the last two years and are now 70 per cent. higher than when this Government took office. The special allowances payable to elderly 203W widows and to those with children have also been substantially increased.