§ 45. Mr. MACKINDERasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the gravity of the unemployment situation, the Government will raise the school-leaving age and bring into immediate operation 1705 old age pensions at 65 on a scale sufficient to enable elderly persons to subsist without seeking employment?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)The cost of these proposals would be prohibitive. With regard, however, to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Pensions Bill now before the House.
§ Mr. MACKINDERDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is much better to reduce unemployment, even though the cost may be great?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us what would be the estimated cost of putting into operation the proposal in the first part of the question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should want notice of that question, I have a great many figures connected with it. In regard to the other supplementary question, what the hon. Member desires is an admirable thing, but I am afraid the cost is prohibitive, and when I use the word prohibitive I mean it is so great that the charges which would be levied on the country and through the country on industry would do more harm than good.
§ Mr. MACKINDERDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that raising the school age would do good to the physique of our people in the future?
Mr. SPEAKERThis is clearly a matter for Debate, and not one which should be raised at Question Time.