HC Deb 31 July 1916 vol 84 cc2063-4
51 and 52. Mr. WING

asked the Prime Minister (1) if the Treasury is unable to provide the sum necessary for increasing old age pensions; if so, will the Government authorise local authorities, where they so desire, to supplement pensions to 7s. 6d. per week; and (2) if the right hon. Gentleman has received a resolution from a national conference held in Newcastle on 1st July, asking the Government to increase old age pensions to 7s. 6d. per week and to place the old age pensioner in the same economic position as he occupied in prewar times, when the cost of living was 60 per cent. lower than at present; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to similar questions on the 5th and 20th of this month.

Mr. HOGGE

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that in any arrangement regarding old age pensions in the way of out relief, the recipients shall not lose their civil rights?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is one of the difficulties.

94. Mr. T. DAVIES

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what instruction, if any, has been given to old age pensions officers in order to carry out the promise given in the House that no account would be taken of any small temporary increase in pensioners' incomes during the period of the War; and, as there appears to be some doubt in the matter, will he see that definite instructions are sent to the officers?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

Under the instructions issued to pension officers, questions are not raised for the reduction or revocation of pensions on account of temporary increase of means, their action being at present limited to ascertaining the pensioners' correct means and acquainting the Commissioners of Customs and Excise with the facts. In cases falling within the scope of the concession the Commissioners, on receipt of the officer's report, issue special directions in each case that no action is to be taken for reduction or revocation of the pension. The instructions already issued to pension officers are perfectly definite, but if the hon. Member is aware of any case in which a pension has been reduced or revoked, although the case appears to fall within the concession, I should be glad if he would furnish me with particulars, so that I may have inquiry made into the matter.