Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what response he has made to claims for Bereavement Allowance by widowers whose wives died before 2 October; and if he will make a statement. [140022]
§ Angela EagleMen are not entitled to a benefit payable as a result of bereavement under current legislation. We are replacing the existing Widows Benefits scheme with Bereavement Benefits which will be available equally to men and women from 9 April 2001.