§ 17. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a number of resolutions from boards of guardians relative to an increase in the amount of old age pensions; whether he is aware that the cost of food and fuel tends to continuously increase; and whether he will do justice to the aged poor by either increasing the old age pensions or taking steps to reduce the abnormal cost of living?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. For the rest I fear I can for the moment add nothing to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on the 19th May last in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich.
§ Mr. ALDENDid not the Prime Minister promise me to look into this question, and ascertain whether it would not be possible for special pensions to be paid by those recommended, after careful examination by the pensions officers?
§ Mr. McKENNAI will inquire further into the matter raised by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYDoes the form of words used by my right hon. Friend "for the moment" mean that the subject is under consideration, and that there is a possibility of modification?
§ Mr. McKENNAI should not like to say that it amounts to that.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYWhat, then, does the right, hon. Gentleman mean?