§ Baroness Jegerasked Her Majesty's Government:
What consideration they have given to the problems of widowers who have to leave their jobs to care for young children; and what allowances are made in EC countries to deal with this problem.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Henley)The Government recognises the difficulties of those widowers who cannot work because of the need to stay at home to look after children. One parent benefit is available to them and, where appropriate, income support, housing, and community charge/council tax benefits. In addition, home responsibilities protection is there to protect basic state pension entitlement. Widowers who wish to combine work and child care responsibilities may also be able to benefit from family credit. Different and varied provisions for survivors and their dependants apply in other EC countries. Entitlement may depend upon membership of an appropriate state insurance scheme or depend upon income or be subject to the survivor having been financially dependent upon the deceased.