"The move the in first instance to withdraw this pension from the wives of farmers was completely retrograde and dare I say sexist in that it refused to recognise the role of women as equal partners in the running of a farm.

"I am glad that the Government has rowed back on its initial decision. It must be highlighted, however, that this needless episode has caused undue stress in the intervening period for hundreds of families across the country."I am satisfied that despite this, common sense has prevailed."