§ Mr. CLYNESasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the report of the inquest on Mrs. Wilson, aged 68, of Water-street, Manchester, which shows that her death was accelerated by starvation; and whether, in view of the distressed circumstances of many 2301 old people below 70 years, he can promise any special provision for grants or pensions to prevent any such case recurring?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have not been able to obtain any official information as to the case to which the hon. Member refers, and I am afraid that at the present moment I can give no such pledge as he suggests as to the extension of old age pensions to persons below 70 years of age.
§ Mr. SNOWDENWill the Prime Minister say when the promised Bill to amend the Old Age Pensions Act is likely to be introduced?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot say at this moment. Will the hon. Member put down a question?
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in several cases old people of nearly 70 have died from starvation from the fear that if they went to the guardians they would be deprived of their old age pensions?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not aware of that. I am very sorry to hear if it is the case. I am very sorry to hear that there are such cases.
§ Mr. FLYNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the protracted opposition to the Budget Bill delays the progress of all useful legislation?