HC Deb 24 November 1936 vol 318 cc223-4
52. Mr. ELLIS SMITH

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider making a special grant at Christmas week to all old age and widow pensioners?

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

No, Sir. The Government are not pre- pared to introduce the legislation which would be necessary to give effect to this suggestion.

Mr. SMITH

In view of the fact that these pensions were fixed many years ago, and that there has been an all-round relative improvement in conditions, will the Financial Secretary to the Treasury reconsider his reply with a view to seeing whether something cannot be done?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I am afraid that I could not undertake to do so.

Mr. STEPHEN

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the introduction of some scheme to improve the conditions of the pensioners at the Coronation?

Mr. GALLACHER

Is it not possible for the Financial Secretary to get the necessary legislation passed through the House without any discussion? It could be passed through in an hour.

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

That is not the only consideration.

Sir H. CROFT

Will my hon. Friend also consider the various boons granted in Russia at Christmas time?