they must be substantially impaired in their ability to perform
household duties. After a further year, it was apparently decided that this rule was too
generous, and the regulations were tightened up; married women were only able to claim if
they were unable to perform household duties to any substantial extent. The difference
appears to be slight, but it had a major effect; a woman who was able to do half the
housework would be entitled before the change, but would not be after it. Most of these
provisions have now been struck out under pressure from the European Community.