HC Deb 23 November 1920 vol 135 c206
46. Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increased cost of living, the Government will reconsider the recommendation made by the Select Committee on Pensions, on page 19 of their Report, to the effect that pensions should be readjusted yearly to meet variations in the cost of living?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I would refer my hon. Friend to the full reply which I gave upon this subject on the 16th June last to the hon. Member for the Western Division of Derbyshire.

Earl WINTERTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration that a large number of Members of this House are anxious to press economy on all sides on the Government, and do not wish to see any increase in Government expenditure?

Mr. PENNEFATHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that the cost of living has risen considerably?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am afraid my hon. Friend must have forgotten what happened in the House when the recommendation of the Committee was strongly opposed by those who spoke in the name of the pensioners themselves.