§ MR. LEVERTON HARRISI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state approximately the number of persons in Great Britain and Ireland of over 70 years of age who at present are earning wages of over 10s. a week but under 15s. a week; and what the additional annual cost of old-age pensions would be if all these persons were to reduce their wages to 10s. in order to participate in the scheme of old-age pensions?
§ MR. GOULDING (Worcester)At the same time may I ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give any estimate of the number of persons in the United Kingdom aged 70 years and over who are in receipt of incomes varying from 10s. to 15s. a week; and what would be the estimated cost of enlarging the scheme outlined by the Prime Minister in his Budget speech, so that a pension equal to the difference between such income and 15s. a week might be given to all such persons.
§ MR. J. A. PEASE (Essex, Saffron Walden; for Mr. LLOYD GEORGE)My right hon. friend has asked me to answer these Questions. He has no information at his disposal which would enable him to answer either Question.
§ MR. GOULDINGOn what estimates did the Government frame their Old-Age Pensions Bill?
§ [No Answer was returned.]
§ MR. GOULDINGAre we not entitled to an answer regarding this very important Question?
§ * MR. SPEAKERIf the Question is so important, then I think the hon. Member might have given himself the trouble to put it down.
§ MR. GOULDINGWith all respect, Sir, the Question is down.
§ * MR. SPEAKERThen the hon. Member has had an Answer.