§ 56. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated approximate cost of removing the means disqualification of old age pensions; the estimated cost of 1526 lowering the age limit of old age pensioners to 60 and 65 years of age, respectively; whether he can give the estimated cost of granting allowances to poor widowed mothers with young children; and, if so, at what rate of allowance?
§ Mr. SNOWDENThe charge for old age pensions on the existing basis is £24 millions a year, which will automatically increase, owing to the longer life of pensioners, to about £40 millions a year. If the means disqualification were abolished, it is estimated that the present charges would become, for the existing pension at the age of 70, £42 millions; at 65, £73 millions; at 60, £114 millions. I hope to be able to give some information as to the cost of pensions for widows to-morrow on the discussion of the Motion standing in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington (Mr. Dukes).