§ Mr. CashTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many widows and widowed mothers were686W affected by his announcement on 28 February, as respects his advice to women widowed before 11 April 1988, to contact local Department of Social Security offices if not contacted within six weeks; and how many have received payment under the new arrangements.
§ Mr. Peter Lloyd[holding answer 22 May 1989]: I regret that the information is not available. Some widows have been paid but the exact numbers are not known.
§ Mr. CashTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether those widows and widowed mothers who, during the period after 11 April 1988, obtained benefit, have to repay the Department of Social Security when they receive their widow's pension.
§ Mr. Peter Lloyd[holding answer 22 May 1989]: Widows affected by my right hon. Friend's announcement on 28 February 1989 will not have to repay the benefit they have already received. Where the benefit obtained is income-related or overlaps with widow's pension, the arrears of widow's pension will be abated.