Contributory Pensions (Widows)

Oral Answers to Questions — National Insurance – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 17 June 1947.

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Mr. Vane:

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware that the widow of an insured person, who had previously received a pension under the Contributory Pensions Acts as the widow of a former husband, will receive a similar widow's pension on the death of her second husband, whereas a widow in a similar position, except that she had received a dependant's war pension after the death of her first husband, is not necessarily eligible on the death of her second husband for a widow's pension; and whether he will amend the rules to ensure that a widow who is receiving a war dependant's pension, and who later re-marries, is in a no less favourable position than a widow who is receiving a widow's pension.

Photo of Mr James Griffiths Mr James Griffiths , Llanelly

The distinction referred to by my hon. Friend can only arise in the comparatively few cases where the second husband was aged 60 or over at the date of marriage and no claim for contributory widow's pension was made after the first husband's death. It is the effect of certain special provisions contained in the existing Acts, and will not arise in respect of claims made in similar circumstances under the National Insurance Act.