HC Deb 15 December 1936 vol 318 cc2269-70
51. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can make any statement on the proposed reduction of the pensionable age of miners from 65 to 60?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

No specific proposals of this character have, to my knowledge, been put forward. If the hon. Member has any particular proposals in mind, perhaps he will put down a question to myself, if it refers to the system of State pensions, or to my hon. and gallant Friend the Secretary for Mines if it refers to a scheme outside this system, making it clear precisely what these proposals are.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Arising out of the reply, in the event of my submitting an approved statement on the whole subject, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman be prepared to use his influence with the Cabinet with a view to giving pensions to miners at 60 years of age instead of 65?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I could not answer a question of that nature in advance.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Then what is the use of your being a Minister?