§ 63. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the Cabinet's decision about a single pension authority; whether he proposes to reconstitute the old Select Committee to reconsider the existing scale of pensions; and whether he proposes also to refer to them the consideration of any increase on the existing scale of separation allowances in view of the continuing increase in the cost of living or to deal with this in any other way.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe question of setting up a single pension authority cannot be determined without regard to the distinction existing between pensions 1294 and grants which arise only in consequence of the War and the long-service pensions which are earned both in peace and war and the administration of which may be regarded as part of the regular business of the Naval and Military Departments. Subject to that reservation, the Cabinet Committee has recommended, and the Cabinet have approved, the appointment of a Pensions Board, with a Cabinet Minister at its head, to deal with the matter. The terms of the Bill, which must be introduced in order to give effect to the recommendation, have not yet been finally settled, hut I hope it will be brought in at a very early date.
§ Sir H. CRAIKCan the right hon. Gentleman say what will be the relation between this Pensions Board and the Statutory Committee?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is just one of the points which will be fully explained when the Bill is introduced.
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes.
§ Mr. J. SAMUELCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether it is intended that this Board should work through the local pensions committees?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat again is a question which has to be reserved for the introduction of the Bill.