§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many women under 40 years become widows each year; and what would be the annual additional cost of providing pensions to those who become widows under 40 years and who have children.
§ Mrs. ChalkerIt is estimated that about 6,000 women under age 40 are widowed each year. No additional cost would be incurred in doing as my hon. Friend suggests, since, irrespective of the widow's age on widowhood, and provided the relevant conditions are satisfied on her late husband's contributions, a widow's allowance is already payable for the first 26 weeks of widowhood and, if she has dependent children, this is followed by a widowed mother's allowance.