§ 52. Mr. T. RICHARDSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that ex gratia allowances made to old age pensioners by employers, trades unions, friendly societies, and relatives are taken into account by the pensions officer to reduce the amount of pension which would otherwise be payable by the State; and whether, in view of the high cost of living, he will instruct the pensions officer to treat such allowances on a footing similar in principle to that which already applies to old age pensioners m respect of separation allowances?
§ Mr. BALDWINAs is stated in the second section of Cd. 8320, action is not being taken for the withdrawal or reduction of an existing old age pension in consequence of the receipt by the pensioner of temporary assistance from relief funds or other voluntary sources where the amount of the allowance (or the increase of an existing allowance) does not 1164 exceed 5s. per week and is given for the purpose of enabling the pensioner to meet the increased cost of living. I am not prepared to extend this concession.