HC Deb 06 February 1989 vol 146 cc488-9W
42. Mr. Rooker

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his best estimate of the number of widows who have had a reduction in benefits specific to themselves due to changes in circumstances, other than re-marriage, since the changes in regulations in April 1988.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

I regret that the information is not available in the form requested.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the implications for his policy on widows' pensions of the decision of the social security appeal tribunal at Walthamstow that a widow aged under 45 years is entitled to a widow's pension because changes made to the law in April 1988, which would otherwise disqualify her, are invalid; and if he will make a statement.

Ms. Richardson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether, in the light of the ruling of the independent social security appeal tribunal at Walthamstow on the change in the age limit for widows' pensions, he has any plans to restore the age limit to 40 instead of 45 years.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

It is for the office of the chief adjudication officer to decide whether or not to seek leave to appeal to the social security commissioner. If the adjudication officer decides not to seek leave to appeal, the tribunal's decision will be implemented in the normal way.