§ 51. Mr. WATERSONasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the hardship now existing amongst old age pensioners, 1158 he will either draft legislation to come into effect at once or give instructions to boards of guardians to grant out-door relief to those who have no other income than their pension, and that the relief given be no disqualification for the old age pension?
§ Mr. BALDWINI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on this subject on the 1st instant to a question asked by the hon. Member for Exeter.
§ Mr. WATERSONAm I to understand that the Government has no concern in this matter, and that they merely refer to other replies, and is that sufficient for the importance of the subject?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe reply was given several times that the Government do not intend to legislate until they receive the Report of the Committee that is at present investigating the whole matter.
§ Mr. WATERSONWhen may we expect a Report from this Committee, seeing the hardship that is now involved?
§ Mr. BALDWINThere is a question on the Paper on that point which will be answered later.
§ Mr. BALDWINI should think probably, but I am not a law officer.
§ 70. Mr. RAMSDENasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to receive the Report of the Committee which is investigating the operation of old age pension payments; whether the House will have an opportunity of discussing it before the Recess; and whether he will expedite as much as possible, in the interests of the old people, the legislation of any acceptable recommendations it may make?
§ Mr. BALDWINMy right hon. Friend understands that the evidence is likely to be completed before the Recess, but that the Report cannot be ready by that date. As regards legislation, if that be necessary, my right hon. Friend must consult the Leader of the House when the time comes.