§ 66. Mr. WINGasked the President of the Local Government Board if he has received from the Durham County Council Old Age Pensions Committee a resolution urging that in view of the hardship which many old age pensioners are now suffering in consequence of the increased cost of living the Government should be urged to give favourable consideration to the question of increasing the rate of pension; and will the Government take steps to accede to such request?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I understand that he has received the resolution referred to. I fear I can add nothing to my previous answers on this subject.
§ Mr. WINGIs it not possible for the Department to concede what is the general desire, and that something should be done for the industrial portion of the community, who are very heavily hit by the present prices of food?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe question simply relates to the matter of increasing the rates of pension. The hon. Member's supplementary question should be addressed to the President of the Local Government Board.