§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will re-publish his answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr on 30 November, Official Report, c. 37, in respect of widows' benefits, in a similar form to that he used in the answer to the hon. Member for Anglesey (Mr. Best) in respect of unemployment benefits on 19 November, Official Report, c. 224–6.
May 1979 January 1982 Widow aged between 50–59 at widowhood with no dependants Late husband's earnings at average levels Late husband's earnings attracting maximum ERA and additional component Late husband's earnings at average levels Late husband's earnings attracting maximum additional component Col. 4 as percentage of Col. 2 Col. 5 as percentage of Col. 3 (1) (2) £ (3) £ (4) £ (5) £ (6) £ (7) £ First 26 weeks Widows allowance 27.30 27.30 41.40 41.40 152 152 Earnings related addition 13.29 16.25 nil nil — — Total 40.59 43.55 41.40 41.40 102 95 After first 26 weeks Widows pension 19.50 19.50 29.60 29.60 152 152 Additional component 0.97 1.31 4.55 5.86 [469] [447] Total 20.47 20.81 34.15 35.46 167 170 Note: The widow would have no entitlement to supplementary benefit but might be eligible for health with rent and rates from the local authority.