asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to be able to make a statement on the possibility of introducing a scheme to provide pensions for the widows of teachers.

The difficult financial problems involved in any scheme of pensions for the widows of teachers require careful consideration and should be examined in the light of the results of the actuarial inquiry into the Teachers' Superannuation Scheme now proceeding. It will, therefore, be some little time before a further statement can be made.

Will the hon. Lady indicate when the results of the actuarial inquiry are likely to become known?

We hope that the report will be ready by the end of this year.

Will the hon. Lady tell us why this matter has not been considered at all in the last five years? Why is consideration only now being started?

This Committee has been sitting for some time. This subject has been the concern of the Department for a considerable time but no steps can be taken until the report of the Committee is ready.

Can the hon. Lady say why it was not dealt with by hon. Members opposite between the wars?