HC Deb 11 May 1915 vol 71 c1462
25. Mr. BOWERMAN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a communication from the London local pension committee suggesting that the pension of every old age pensioner should be increased by 1s. a week during the remaining period of the War; and, if so, whether the communication has been considered and with what result?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part of the question, I fear I can add nothing to the reply on this subject which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for the Tottenham Division on the 20th ultimo.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the purchasing power of the pension paid to pensioners is reduced by about 30 per cent.?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am afraid that is so, but, unfortunately, if we were to reconstruct all these payments upon that basis it would be a very serious addition to the burdens of the country.

Mr. THORNE

But is it not a serious position for the old age pensioners?