HC Deb 21 October 1937 vol 327 cc15-7
31. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the great increase in production and the increase in the national income since the fixing of 10s. a week for the old age and widows' pensions; and, in view of that, will he take steps to increase the pensions in order that the pensioners can at least maintain their relative standards?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)

The two factors which the hon. Member mentions are not the only considerations which affect the position of old age pensioners in relation to the rest of the community, and I am afraid that the Government are not prepared to accept the hon. Member's conclusions.

Mr. Smith

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the distress among these old people? Is he further aware of the fact that over 200,000 of them have had to apply for Poor Law relief? In view of these facts, will he consult with the Prime Minister in order that the matter may be considered?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I am dealing with the numbers in a further reply.

32. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that in the city of Stoke-on-Trent an analysis of statistics has been made which shows that in 1933 757 persons in receipt of an old age pension had to apply for outdoor relief and that the number increased to 1,406 in 1937; that in 1933 332 widows had to apply for outdoor relief and the number increased to 584 in 1937; and, in view of these figures, will he appoint a Departmental Committee to examine the effect of these figures, the anomalies that have been proved in the administration, and the need for an increase in pensions?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I am aware of the figures quoted by the hon. Member. I would, however, remind him that over the country as a whole the number of old age and widow pensioners who are in receipt of relief is less than ro per cent. of the total number of such pensioners. I cannot agree that a committee such as the hon. Member suggests would serve any useful purpose.

Mr. Smith

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the 200,000 would be considerably increased if it were not for the fact that sons and daughters are having to keep their mothers and fathers who are drawing the old age pension of 10s.? In view of that faot, will the right hon. and gallant Member ask the Government, and the Prime Minister in particular, to give consideration to the matter?

Mr. Mathers

Is the right hon, and gallant Gentleman aware that in Scotland the 10 per cent. figure does not hold? It is considerably more.

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I have given the figures for the United Kingdom.

Mr. Burke

What percentage would the Government consider to be sufficient for them to take action upon it?

Mr. Thorne

Will the right hon. and gallant Member be prepared to make reference to this subject in the King's Speech?

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