HC Deb 25 June 1936 vol 313 cc1949-51
44. Mr. D. L. DAVIES

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the view of

were provided in the different areas during the year ended 31st March, 1935, which is the latest period for which complete information is available:

his advisers, an unemployed person over 60 years of age and who had been for 10 years in insurable employment, but who two years ago became a voluntary contributor under the National Health Contributory Pension Scheme, can be given an old age pension at the age of 65, if necessary, by discontinuing paying as a voluntary contributor?

Sir K. WOOD

The National Health Insurance and Contributory Pensions Act, 1935, enables an unemployed person who became a voluntary contributor after 31st December, 1932, and fulfils certain conditions, to revert, as from the beginning of this year, to the employed contributor class. If he so reverts he will remain hovered for all pensions, without paying any contributions, so long as he continues to prove unemployment.

57. Mr. ERRINGTON

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what would be the cost per annum of raising non-contributory old age pensions from 10s. per week to 15s. per week?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

It is not possible to give the cost of an increased rate of old age pension applicable only to non-contributory pensions. Among other reasons is the fact that a large number of contributory pensioners could satisfy the conditions for a non-contributory pension if there was anything to be gained by their so doing. The cost of increasing all pensions' to persons over 70 (or 50 in the case of blind persons) from 10s. to 15s. a week would be about £22,000,000 a year at the present time.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Will the Minister consider increasing the pensions to old people when they reach the age of 80 or 85? There cannot be a great number of them. They suffer great hardship and can do nothing for themselves.

Mr. ERRINGTON

Does the Financial Secretary consider that 10s. a week is sufficient for old people?

58. Mr. BURKE

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider introducing amending legislation with a view to raising the maximum allowance of earned and unearned income of £49 17s. 6d. in the assessment for old age pensions under the 1919 Act, as in the experience of many public assistance committees hardship is at present being caused to a large number of old persons?

Mr. W. S. MORRISON

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 14th May to questions by the hon. Members for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) and Sedgefield (Mr. Leslie).