§ Baroness Jegerasked Her Majesty's Government:
On what basis of calculation the age allowance for elderly service widows has been increased by 15p a week for those aged 65–69 and by 30p for those aged 70 and over; and whether Her Majesty's Government will review the question of pensions and allowances for widows of the two World Wars.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Lord Glenarthur)War widows' pensions and allowances, all of which are tax-free, have recently been reviewed and an announcement has been made of an increase in most of them, including age allowances, of 3.7 per cent. in November. This means that the age allowance for war widows aged 65–69 will increase to £4.30 and for those aged 70 and over to £8.60 a week. These allowances are payable in addition to the standard rate war widow's pension, which will rise to £44.25 a week.