HC Deb 28 November 1928 vol 223 cc416-8
45. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKE

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of setting up a committee of both Houses of Parliament to inquire into the possibilities of increasing pensions at 65, conditional upon retirement from competitive industry, as a help towards the solution of the unemployment problem?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEOUER (Mr. Churchill)

His Majesty's Government have from time to time considered suggestions having the same object in view as my hon. Friend, but they have not found it possible to entertain them.

Mr. CROOKE

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer give further consideration in view of the report that there is already £30,000,000 surplus in this Fund?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, I will give further consideration to that.

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advantages of giving an increased pension to people at 65 so that employment can be given to those at 25 without very much additional burden on the Exchequer?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir, it is a very large question indeed, and, needless to say, it has often been considered, but there is no proposal which we have been able to entertain up to the present time.

Mr. BATEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman not consider that part of this question which asks for the setting up of a committee of inquiry, seeing that it is so important.

Mr. CHURCHILL

No, Sir, I do not think that it will be advantageous to set up a committee. It is really a matter which the Government of the day and those who are responsible for the finances of the country must decide.

Mr. SHINWELL

Has it recently been considered by the Government, and, if so, can they make a report upon the subject?

Mr. JOHNSTON; Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the last Census there were 800,000 old men and old women of 65 and over still engaged in industry for weekly wages?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Well, Sir, these questions belong to the very largest class of questions, and I do not think that it will he advantageous for me to try to discuss them.

Mr. SHINWELL

May I have an answer to my question I Has the matter been recently considered by the Government?

Mr. CHURCHILL

All these various proposals are at all times in the minds of competent politicians.