§ 56. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the pension of l0s. a week now paid to blind persons at the age of 50 prior to the qualification for the additional pension of 10s. on the ground of old age at 65 is stopped at the age of 70; whether consideration has been given to the question of continuing the payment of the full 20s. after the age of 70; and, if so, what decision has been reached
§ Major ELLIOTI am aware that under the existing law one of the pensions in the class of case referred to by the hon. Member must cease when the pensioner attains the age of 70. The matter has been carefully considered under this and previous administrations, but I cannot hold out any hope of legislation to provide for continuance of the two pensions after that age has been reached.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the whole question of blind persons, since in the nature of things ten shillings is a very small sum for those who must have special attendance?
§ Major ELLIOTI agree that that is so, but all these matters must be reviewed subject to the financial condition of the country at the present time.