asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will take steps to increase the maximum of £3 a week allowed to be earned by widows in receipt of pensions, in view of the increased cost of living.

The earnings rule applying to widowed mother's allowance, to which I presume the Question refers, is among the provisions governing widows' benefits which I have asked the National Insurance Advisory Committee to review.

Will the right hon. Gentleman speed up a decision on this matter? Is he aware that many widows are finding it very difficult indeed to live on their pensions and on the amount which they earn at the present time?

I expect that the report of the Advisory Committee will be available before very long.