§ 54. Mr. BARNESasked the Prime Minister if, having regard to the condition of old age pensioners owing to increased prices and also to the fact that local burdens have been lessened by the State payment of pensions, he can see his way to an increase of pension during the period of high prices and to making the cost of such increase a charge on local rates?
§ The PRIME MINISTERLegislation would be required to give effect to this suggestion, and for the reasons stated by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the Motion for the Adjournment on the 26th ultimo His Majesty's Government are not satisfied that a case has been made out for such legislation.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the tremendous agitation that is going on in different parts of the country in consequence of the old age pension not being increased? I am quite sure if the Government were to make some proposal they would get universal support.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat may be, but we have to consider where the money is to come from.
§ Mr. THORNEHalf-a crown a week will only amount to £7,000,000. Surely we can find that very small sum, anyhow?
91. The same hon. Member asked haw many boards of guardians have, respectively, passed resolutions in favour of an extra grant of money to the old age pensioners?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHEROne hundred and sixteen resolutions have reached my right hon. Friend on this subject, but there are important differences in the recommendations made.
§ 92. Mr. THORNEasked the President of the Local Government Board whether, until the Treasury authorities are prepared to provide an extra grant to old age pensioners, he can see his way to issue a circular instructing boards of guardians throughout the country to allow old age pensioners the value of 2s. 6d. in kind, such allowance to be made on a doctor's order in each case in order that the pension is not forfeited; and if he is aware that the purchasing power of 5s. in the case of food-stuffs has been reduced by 52 per cent.?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERMy right hon. Friend has no power to give such instructions as are suggested. In regard to the general position of old age pensioners at the present time, I may refer to the reply which I gave on the 28th June to the hon. Member for Bury.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these old people are crying out like cripples at the Cross in all parts of the country for something to be done for them? It is certainly high time that something should be done about the matter.