HC Deb 18 July 2000 vol 354 cc115-6W
Mr. Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many widowers have had their claims for retrospective payment of Widow's Benefits or compensation for not receiving those benefits recently refused; and if he will make a statement on the grounds on which those claims were refused. [131184]

Angela Eagle

In the two months to 31 May 2000, 104 claims for Widow's Benefits were received from men. All such claims are disallowed as men are not entitled to Widow's Benefits under current legislation.

Mr. Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many widowers have contacted his Department to make an inquiry about the possible payment of retrospective Widow's Benefits to men or a settlement following the European Court of Human Rights ruling. [131183]

Angela Eagle

There has been no ruling from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The ECHR's published judgments on two cases explained that, having reached a friendly settlement, these cases have been struck out of the list.

We have received 40 letters inquiring about Widow's Benefits for men in relation to the European Court of Human Rights.

Mr. Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many widowers have claims for Widow's Benefit for men or compensation for the non-payment of those benefits before the European Court of Human Rights. [131185]

Angela Eagle

Fifteen applications have been referred to us by the European Court of Human Rights, including two cases which have been struck out of the list following acceptance of the Government's offer by way of friendly settlement.