§ 14. Mr. CAIRNSasked the Pensions Minister if he is aware that Hugh Clarkson, of Hartford Colliery, Northumberland, is only getting 2s. per week for his old age pension; and, if so, whether he will inquire into the ease, seeing that the 2s. is alleged to be paid because he has a colliery house?
§ MR. BALDWIN (Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury)I am making inquiries in this matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.
§ 61. Mr. CAIRNSasked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the hardships existing among old people as the result of the method of calculating means under the existing Acts and the cost of living; and whether he intends to legislate to increase the pension to 20s. per week at sixty years of age at an early date?
§ 64. Mr. SWANasked the Prime Minister if the is aware that boards of guardians have passed resolutions unanimously urging the Government to increase the old age pension to 1 per week and reduce the age to sixty years, and that similar resolutions have also been passed by the large trade unions in the country; and whether the Government will amend the Old Age Pension Act so as to permit the same to be achieved?
§ Mr. BALDWINPending the Report of the Committee which is at present considering what alterations, if any, as regards rates of pension or qualifications should be made in the existing statutory scheme of old age pensions, it is not the intention of the Government to introduce legislation on the subject.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEAre we to understand that these are the only pensions which the Government are continually revising?
§ Mr. BALDWINI. do not think that arises out of this. At any rate, I have not any knowledge on the point.