§ MR. BARNES (Glasgow, Blackfriars)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state how many persons are in receipt of pensions from the National Exchequer, and the cost of such pensions for the last financial year for which the figures are available.
§ MR. MCKENNA (for Mr. ASQUITH)The approximate figures for 1905–6 are as follows:—
Pensioners. Cost of Pensions. £ Naval 45,822 2,297,635 Military 103,542 3,489,000 Civil 22,451 2,116,734 Totals 171,815 7,903,369
§ MR. CROOKSWould that come off the estimated amount of £26,000,000 if every one over sixty-five years of age had 5s. a week.
§ MR. MCKENNAA certain amount would, but a great deal of it is in respect of persons under sixty-five years of age.