HC Deb 24 March 1981 vol 1 cc320-1W
Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost to the Exchequer if the reduced pensions of women who are widowed before their fiftieth birthday were to be increased on a sliding scale until the full pension was payable at the age of 50 years.

Mr. Rossi

The net cost of the additional pension would be about £30 million in a full year at current benefit rates.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in what circumstances widows who pay full national insurance contributions do not receive the benefits for which they have contributed.

Mr. Rossi

Under the rules dealing with overlapping benefits, a person who would otherwise qualify for a contributory benefit does not receive it if he or she is drawing from public funds another main benefit serving the same purpose at the same rate or higher. Any entitlement to an earnings-related supplement or additional component may, however, be paid in addition.