HC Deb 01 March 1993 vol 220 c46W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in what circumstances a woman aged 60 years or more is not entitled to the basic retirement pension; and if he will make a statement.

Miss Widdecombe

A woman of 60 who has paid insufficient national insurance contributions will not be entitled to the basic retirement pension in her own right. If she is married she will be entitled to a retirement pension on her husband's contributions provided that he is 65 and has taken his pension. If her marriage has terminated she may still use her former husband's contributions to gain a pension. A widow of pensionable age may also receive a retirement pension based on her late husband's contributions.