§ 45. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, at the Old Age Pension Conference at Newcastle on Saturday a resolution was carried urging the Government to take steps for supplementary Grants from the Treasury or give powers to the local authorities to supplement the State pension in cases where concessions made since the commencement of the War had no value; and if the Government intend taking any action in the matter?
49. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked within what time a decision will be arrived at with regard to a supplementary grant to old age pensioners, and in what form it will be announced?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I can for the moment add nothing to the reply I gave on Monday last to the hon. Member for the Houghton Division. The form which the relief should take is receiving careful attention, and I hope that it will be possible to make a further announcement shortly.
§ Mr. THORNEWill it be possible to give a definite reply to this question between now and the 4th September, because the Trade Union Congress is meeting then, and I am very much afraid the Government will get a trouncing unless something is done.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is what I might call threatening language. There will be no avoidable delay.
§ Mr. LUNDONWill any proposals be made in reference to increased old age pensions in Ireland?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not stating that there will be a definite uniform scheme brought up. It will probably be found that special circumstances have to be taken into account.