HC Deb 19 November 1936 vol 317 cc1912-3
65. Mr. MANDER

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the physical unfitness of women to continue work until the age of 65, he will consider granting old age pensions at 55 to unmarried women who are contributors under the National Health and pensions scheme?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)

No, Sir. Without accepting the implications in the hon. Member's question I may say that similar proposals have been made in the past and it has not been found practicable to adopt them.

Mr. MANDER

In view of the widespread interest in the question of spinsters' pensions, will my right hon. and gallant Friend consider the advisability of producing a White Paper setting out the present position, financial and otherwise?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

The position has been explained and the desirability of this proposal must be considered in the light of the reactions which it would have on other classes of pensioners.

Mr. MANDER

But would my right hon. and gallant Friend be good enough to publish an explanatory statement for the benefit of people who are interested in the question?

Mr. STEPHEN

In view of the widespread public opinion in favour of this proposal, will the Minister consider taking steps to introduce some sort of scheme to deal with it?

Mr. BANFIELD

Would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman be willing to consider holding a general inquiry into the whole question of Old Age Pensions?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

That is a very much larger question.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Are not the spinsters more entitled to pensions than the widows? They have had no luck.