§ Miss Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why British women living in Germany as the wives of Service men have no right to apply for a housewives non-contributory invalidity pension because of the residential qualification; and if he will correct this anomaly.
§ Mrs. ChalkerIn order to receive a non-contributory invalidity pension, a married woman must have been incapable of work and of her normal household duties for 196 consecutive days, of which 168 must have been spent in Great Britain. She must also have been resident in Great Britain for at least 10 out of the 20 years prior to her claim.
I am considering the effect of these rules on the wives of Service men overseas, but any changes would have implications for other benefits for which similar rules exist.