§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost to the Exchequer if the 321W 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. RossiThe net cost of the additional pension would be about £30 million in a full year at current benefit rates.
§ Mr. Proctorasked 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. RossiUnder 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.