§ 45. Mr. Gallacherasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider receiving a deputation from the old age pensioners' organisation, representing the country as a whole, on the question of increased pensions?
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave to him on 8th February last, and to the statement made by the then Financial Secretary to the Treasury in the Debate on the Adjournment on 23rd February. I must adhere to that decision.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Prime Minister not aware that since that date the organisation of old age pensioners, which originated in Scotland, has now spread to England and to Wales; and are not these old folks as much entitled to be received by the Prime Minister as the financiers of the City of London?
§ Mr. TinkerIs the Prime Minister aware that the number of old age pensioners applying for Poor Law relief is on the increase; and, in view of that fact, will he not consider this very important question?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Financial Secretary made a very full statement on 23rd February, and I do not think the conditions have materially altered since then.
§ Mr. ThorneWill the Prime Minister be prepared to persuade the Chancellor of the Exchequer to make some provision next year in his Budget?