asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the present means scale of £52 10s. per annum for non-contributory widows' pensions was introduced.

The present means scales for widows' (non-contributory) pensions, which provide for reduction in pensions where means exceed £52.10 per annum, came into operation in January, 1953.

That is a long time ago.

Seven years.

There is a big difference in living costs since then.