HC Deb 23 May 1978 vol 950 cc543-4W
Mr. Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals he has for amending the benefit conditions for the non-contributory invalidity pension in respect of married women to ensure equality of treatment as between married men, single men, single women and married women.

Mr. Alfred Morris

The Government have no plans at present to amend the conditions of entitlement for this benefit.

Mr. Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the estimated cost of amending the benefit conditions for the payment of noncontributory invalidity pension to married women who are either incapable of paid employment or incapable of carrying out household duties.

Mr. Alfred Morris

I assume the hon. Member is referring to the cost of abolishing the "normal household duties" test and allowing married women to qualify for the non-contributory invalidity pension solely on the test of incapacity for work. I would refer him to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Barking (Miss Richardson) and to the hon. Member for Woolwich, West (Mr. Bottomley) on 11th May.—[Vol. 949, c.578.]