HC Deb 29 October 1919 vol 120 cc662-4
57. Mr. CHARLES WHITE

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a large number of old age pensioners are living in a state of semi-starvation, and whether he will recommend the Government to grant an immediate increase of 2s. 6d. a week pending the Report of the Committee now sitting?

171. Mr. FOREMAN

asked the Secretary to the Treasury when he will be able to snake any definite statement as to the Departmental decision regarding the increase of old age pensions?

189. Mr. CLOUGH

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received the Report of the Committee which is investigating the question of old age pensions; 'and, if not, whether any approximate dates for the presentation of the document has been mentioned?

190. Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how soon the Report of the Departmental Committee upon old age pensions may be expected; and if he will represent to the Committee the importance of their reporting before the hardships of winter commence?

Mr. BALDWIN

I will take these questions together. As stated by my right bon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Monday, he hopes to receive the Report of the Departmental Committee shortly. He cannot take action in anticipation of their findings.

Mr. WHITE

Could the hon. Gentleman give me an answer to the first part of my question?

Mr. WATERSON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that several old age pensioners have died of starvation?

Mr. RAFFAN

Could the hon. Gentleman give us any information as to whether "shortly" means "probably next week," or give us some indication when the Committee is likely to report?

Mr. BALDWIN

The word "shortly" has been chosen by my right hon. Friend, and I think, therefore, that it can be taken in its literal sense.

Mr. WHITE

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to this ca'-canny Departmental Committee to hurry up with their Report?

Mr. BALDWIN

I think that it is an open secret that the Report will be presented almost immediately.

60. Mr. WATERSON

asked the Prime Minister if lie or his Department received a telegram from the hon. Member for Kettering on 2nd October last relative to the industrial conflict; if he is aware that it has been ignored; and can he state the reason?

Mr. BONAR LAW

This telegram along with many others on the same subject was received and duly considered. As. the Government publicly announced their decision on the subject, it was not considered necessary to reply to individual telegrams.