HC Deb 24 June 1937 vol 325 cc1364-6
41. Mr. R. J. Taylor

asked the Minister of Health the number of men and women in receipt of old age pensions in Northumberland who also have their pensions augmented by relief from public assistance?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernays)

The number of persons in the administrative county of Northumberland together with the associated county boroughs who were in receipt of old age pensions and also in receipt of poor relief on 1st January, 1937, the latest date for which figures can be given, was 4,484. I regret that I am unable to give separate figures for men and women.

Mr. Taylor

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great feeling in Northumberland and in the rest of the country that it is disgraceful that old people in receipt of pensions should have to seek public relief; and are not the Government prepared to do something to remedy this state of affairs?

Mr. Bernays

Of course, as I pointed out earlier in the week, the figures are based on the cost of living, and the cost of living is half as much as it was when these pensions were originally fixed.

Mr. Taylor

That may be so, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that, whether it is a question of the cost of living or not, people are being humiliated in their souls, and that in addition they are living in poverty?

42. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Health the number of men and women in receipt of old age pensions in the city of Stoke-on-Trent, Fenton, and Longton, respectively, who have their pensions augmented by relief from public assistance; and what action does he propose to take in view of the continual rise in the cost of living?

Mr. Bernays

The number of persons in the county borough of Stoke-on-Trent who were in receipt of old age pensions and also in receipt of poor relief on 1st January, 1937, the latest date for which figures can be given, was 1,511. I regret that I am unable to give separate figures for men and women or for the several districts within the county borough. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on 18th March last to a similar question by the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths).

Mr. Smith

In view of the great increase in production and wealth in this country since these pensions were first fixed, and in view of the fact that it would only cost £32,000,000 to increase old age pensions to 15s. a week, will the Parliamentary Secretary ask the Minister to give serious consideration to this question?

Mr. Bernays

In view of the enormous burdens that are now being shouldered by the community, I could not give any such undertaking.

Mr. Gallacher

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware of the general feeling throughout the country that old age pensions should be increased. Will the Government accept the democratic will of the people?

Mr. Smith

I desire to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.

57. Mr. Tinker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the interest shown by Members of Parliament in the position of old age pensioners and the inadequate amount they are receiving; and will he consider having this question gone into to see if an increase can be granted?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)

The cost of any appreciable increase in the rate of pension is substantial, and I do not think the examination suggested by the hon. Member would serve any useful purpose.

Mr. Tinker

The question is addressed to the Prime Minister, and I think it is important that the Prime Minister should say definitely one way or the other.