6.  Mr Corcoran was born in 1966 and lives in Merseyside. 7.  His wife died on 23 August 1999. His claim for widows’ benefits was made in October and November 1999 and was rejected on 10 November 1999 on the ground that he was not entitled to widows’ benefits because he was not a woman. He appealed against this decision and the appeal tribunal dismissed his appeal on 17 January 2000 giving reasons in a letter of 19 January 2000. The applicant did not appeal again as he considered or was advised that such a remedy would be bound to fail since no security benefits were payable to widowers under United Kingdom Law. 8.  Mr Baker was born in 1959 and lives in Oldham. 9.  His wife died on 8 July 2000. The applicant made enquiries to the Benefits Agency in or around July/August 2000 and he was told he was not entitled to such benefits. His claim for widows’ benefits was then made on 1 September 2000 and was rejected on 8 September 2000 on the ground that he was not entitled to widows’ benefits because he was not a woman. The applicant did not appeal as he considered or was advised that such a remedy would be bound to fail since no security benefits were payable to widowers under United Kingdom Law. 10.  Mr Graham was born in 1956 and lives in Lancs. 11.  His wife died on 6 July 2000. His claim for widows’ benefits was made on 14 August 2000 and was rejected on 21 August 2000 on the ground that he was not entitled to widows’ benefits because he was not a woman. The applicant did not appeal as he considered or was advised that such a remedy would be bound to fail since no security benefits were payable to widowers under United Kingdom Law.