§ Miss Joan Lestorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the review by his Department of dependants' and widows' benefits provided under the National Health Service superannuation scheme is now completed; and if he will take steps to ensure that all who work in the Health Service have access to equal pension rights.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe Department completed and discussed with staff representatives in May 1981 a general review of the whole range of survivors' benefits provided by the National Health Service superannuation scheme. The review noted that, although widows' pensions are automatic, those for widowers are subject to a dependency qualification.
I do not consider that in present circumstances the considerable cost which would be involved in removing the dependency qualification for widowers can command a high priority.