§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the implications for recently widowed men are of last year's out-of-court settlement with Mr. Christopher Crossland on widowers' benefits; and what new help will be offered to men who are widowed before the new benefit rules come into force next year. [135721]
§ Angela EagleThe friendly settlement reached with Christopher Crossland has no implications for Widows' Benefits.
Fathers who are widowed before Bereavement Benefits are introduced will be able to claim Widowed Parent's Allowance from 9 April 2001 as long as they satisfy the qualifying conditions.