§ 55. Mr. BYRNEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the necessity for an increase in the old age pension; if he will take steps to secure an increase for the old age pensioners; if he is aware that many applicants for the old age pension are disqualified because they have a few pence over 12s. a week; if he will take steps to remove, this disqualification; and if he is aware that mothers of soldiers receiving 12s. 6d. allowance from their sons are deprived of old age pensions?
§ The JOINT FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Baldwin)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this. I am not satisfied that it is necessary to increase the additonal allowances already made to old age pensioners. Nor am I prepared to introduce legislation to increase the limit of means prescribed by the Old Age Pensions Acts.
§ Mr. BYRNEDoes it not satisfy the right hon. Gentleman as to the necessity for this increase that the Pensions Minister has increased separation allowances on the ground that the cost of living has gone up considerably.