HC Deb 28 May 1924 vol 174 cc420-1
59. Mr. W. A. JENKINS

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that boards of guardians and the public generally urge that the immediate introduction of legislation to provide pensions for widows and children, in addition to fulfilling a moral obligation, would result in great social and economic advantages to the community at large; and will he give this matter immediate consideration, and urge the Government to promote legislation to carry it into effect?

69. Mr. RAFFETY

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a resolution from the board of guardians, Bath union, to the effect that pensions for widows and children, in addition to fulfilling a moral obligation, would result in great social and economic advantages to the community at large, and urging the Government to give the question their serious consideration and, if possible, promote legislation to carry this into effect; and when he proposes to introduce legislation for this purpose?

Mr. GRAHAM

I regret that I can add nothing to the statements made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer during the Debate on this subject on the 20th February and in the course of his speech yesterday on the Second Reading of the Finance Bill. With regard to the first part of the question of the hon. Member for Bath (Mr. Raffety), I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health has received the resolution referred to.

Viscount WOLMER

Is it true that this matter is under the consideration of the Government?

Mr. GRAHAM

Yes; if the Noble Lord had heard the Chancellor's speech yesterday, he would have heard, not only that it was being considered, but that progress had been made, and it is hoped, without giving a pledge, to be able to overtake this before the end of the year.