§ 52. Mr. CHARLES WHITEasked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to consider the Report of the Committee on Old Age Pensions; and whether, if there is a possibility of delay he will recommend the Government to immediately increase the existing pensions by 2s. 6d. a week, the lowest increase recommended by the Committee, pending a final decision on the matter?
§ 123. Colonel GRETTONasked the Secretary to the Treasury if the Government intends to introduce a Bill to carry out the recommendations of the Committee on Old Age Pensions; and, if so, when will the Bill be introduced?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI regret that I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to a question on this subject on Monday last by the hon. Member for Ely.
§ Mr. RAFFANCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make an announcement?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Committee has only reported quite recently. Proposals have now been put before the Government, but we have not yet had time to consider them.
§ Colonel GRETTONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to consider the fact that winter is now upon us, and to see that the increase is made as soon as possible?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not think that in any case an immediate change can be made, because it would require a larger staff, but I quite realise the importance of It. The difficulty is that each day has only twenty-four hours.