§ Order read for Committee on the Widows', Orphans, and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill.
§
The following Notice of Motion stood on the Order Paper in the names of Mr. RUNCIMAN and other hon. Members:
On going into Committee on. the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill, to move, That it be an Instruction to the Committee that they have power so to amend the Bill as to put the scheme of pensions on a non-contributory basis.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Instruction on the Paper in the names of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Swansea (Mr. Runciman) and others is not in Order. So far as it proposes to empower the Committee to strike out the contributions of the employers and the employed persons it is unnecessary. The Committee can do that, if it pleases, without an Instruction.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNI understand that under the Money Resolution which has been passed by the House it would be competent for the Committee to discuss the question whether the beneficiaries should make a. contribution or not.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat has nothing to do, as I conceive, with the Money Resolution passed by the House. The Money Resolution refers only to the Exchequer contribution. That, of course, stands as the House has left it.
§ Captain BENNI understand, then, that it will be competent for the Committee to make the scheme non-contributory if they so desire, and therefore the Instruction is not required?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is what I have just said.
§ Bill considered in Committee.
§ [Mr. JAMES HOPE in the Chair.]