HC Deb 02 November 1937 vol 328 cc717-8
50. Sir Frank Sanderson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the additional cost to the contributor and to the Exchequer of increasing contributory old age pensions at the age of 65 from 10s. to 15s. a week?

Sir J. Simon

The cost of increasing old age pensions at 65 from 10s. to 15s. a week (including non-contributory old age pensions but not widows' pensions) would be about £33,000,000 a year at the present time. The working out of the contributions of the State, employers and employed persons necessary to cover extensions of the benefits of the contributory pensions scheme is a formidable task, and I should not feel justified in authorising the expense which would be incurred.

Mr. Thorne

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that, if this extra 5s. were granted, the old people would know how to spend it properly?

52. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the resolution from the Scottish Old Age Pensions Association asking for the increase of old age pension rates to £1 for a single person and £1 15s. for a married couple; and whether it is proposed to introduce legislation to meet this need, rendered all the more urgent by the increased cost of living?

Sir J. Simon

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 28th October to the hon. Member for Dunfermline (Mr. Watson).

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the fact that the Chancellor of the Exchequer's predecessor, the Prime Minister, received Members when their salaries were being considered, will the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation of old age pensioners so that they can put before him their just cause and claim for an increase?

Sir J. Simon

I do not think that I can answer that question now, but I am well aware of the letter which the hon. Gentleman was good enough to write to me the other day, I have been reading it and I am sending him a reply. I am very much obliged to him.

Mr. Gallacher

Would not the Chancellor of the Exchequer rather consider sending a reply to the old age pensioners that he would be prepared to receive a deputation and hear what they had to say?