§ 34. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Pensions how many need pensions have been reduced or taken away altogether through the recipient having been awarded a pension under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act; and will be also say if consideration is being given to the desirability of not interfering with such cases?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. F. O. Roberts)Need pensions are determined in accordance with the financial circumstances of the pensioner, and as such are necessarily subject to adjustment in the event of any permanent change in those circumstances. I could not, therefore properly make an exception in favour of one class of income. No special record is kept of the adjustments resulting from the grant of an old age pension. In the majority of cases, however, the net result of adjustments on this account is, I understand, to increase the aggregate income of ale pensioner.
§ Mr. TINKERIs my right hon. Friend aware that in many cases when they have got these widows' pensions, that only just balances what they receive, and therefore the benefit that they expect to receive is no benefit at all?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI have given a reply to that point in the first part of my answer. I can only assess on the basis of need.
§ Mr. TINKERWill my right hon. Friend consider being more lenient in the matter?
Miss LEEIn view of the fact that the pensions are inadequate, even when supplemented by the additional 10s., will the right hon. Gentleman consider leaving them unreduced?
§ Mr. ROBERTSIf the need comes within the scale of the Ministry, I can adjust the pension.