§ 40. Mr. LECKIEasked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take on behalf of the 106,000 unemployed persons whose right to old age pensions at 65 will be invalidated if the effective Clause in the Act of 1932 is allowed to expire this year?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make any statement on this matter.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIn view of the anxiety felt in every quarter of the House, cannot the hon. Gentleman give us a definite date, or an approximate date, when he will be able to make a statement, instead of always putting us off?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREIt is impossible to give a date, but the matter is very important, and we shall deal with it at the earliest possible moment.
§ Mr. LAWSONAre not the facts in this case worse than was originally expected, and does not that make this an urgent matter?
§ Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSIs it not a fact that all these things are being very carefully considered at the present time?
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs it not many months since the hon. Gentleman's chief stated in the House that the matter was under active consideration; is the hon. Gentleman aware of the great anxiety among poor people in regard to this matter and that legislation may be necessary and will he not, therefore, give some kind of idea when the report will be considered and a decision made?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREI have told the House in my reply that this must depend upon the final report of the Government Actuary, and I do not control the time of the report.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESIs not the hon. Gentleman fully aware that all this has arisen because of the passing of the amending Act of 1934?
§ Mr. BUCHANANIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, may I give notice that I shall, if possible, raise this question with the Under-Secretary on the Adjournment to-morrow night?