§ 34. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the published reports to the effect that it is not the intention of the Government to introduce the Bill giving legislative sanction to the concessions to pre-War pensioners until after the Recess; and, in view of the fact that these concessions are being made to meet the urgent requirements of the necessitous cases, and that since the announcement was made several pensioners have passed away in poverty and want, he will consider the possibility of making a statement on the subject that will dispel the fears that have been raised?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I do not think that any such statement as my hon. Friend suggests is necessary, as it has already been announced that this Bill will be introduced at a very early date.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on several occasions statements have been made that this would be introduced at an early date, but up to the present no date has been given, and can we now get the date?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy right hon. Friend who is in charge of Business hopes that the Finance Resolution will be reached this week.
§ 66. Sir R. NEWMANasked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Bill to be shortly introduced by the Government to increase the pensions of pre-War pensioners will include Post Office officials who retired under the age limit on a pre-War pension only between 4th August, 1914, and 1st March, 1917; and whether, in the event of his not feeling inclined to make any announcement prior to the introduction of the Bill, in view of the natural anxiety of old pensioners on the subject, the Bill will shortly be placed before Parliament?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Arrangements are being made to introduce the Bill at a very early date.