HC Deb 10 August 1916 vol 85 cc1343-4

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That a sum, not exceeding £7,654,000, be granted to His Majesty, to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1917, for the payment of Old Age Pensions in the United Kingdom, and for certain Administrative Expenses in connection therewith." [NOTE.—£5,000,000 has been voted on account.]

Mr. HOGGE

Could we now have a reply from the Secretary to the Treasury in regard to what it is proposed to do to assist the old age pensioners who cannot exist on the Grants which this Report allows? The right hon. Gentleman knows the arguments. I think he promised that if any information could be given, he would give it. If he could give us that information I think it would be convenient to give it to us, and we should be very much obliged.

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

A Paper is being distributed to hon. Members to-day, and that Paper deals with the administrative concessions which are being made. The most important of these is the one which allows an old age pensioner to earn money up to quite a reasonable amount without forfeiting his pension.

Mr. HOGGE

Or his civil rights?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Of course, he will not forfeit his civil rights by working. That statement will be in the hands of Members immediately. I had a copy at Question Time. The other question as to the scale of pensions is a matter under consideration.

Question put, and agreed to.