HC Deb 22 December 1938 vol 342 cc3076-8
45. Mr. Tinker

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the Motion on increase in old age pensions, standing on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. Member for Leigh and other hon. Members; and whether he will consider granting a day of parliamentary time for its discussion when the House reassembles after Christmas and to allow the issue to be decided by a free vote of the House?

[That this House requests the Government to increase the weekly amount paid to old age pensioners to £1 a week and to make provision for this when the next Budget is introduced.]

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

I regret that I can hold out no hope of a special opportunity being afforded to discuss the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member. I would, however, remind him that facilities already exist for discussion of Private Members' Motions under the Standing Orders.

Mr. Tinker

We all know the burden which the Prime Minister has to carry, but does he realise the gravity of this situation? The latest figure I have is that 230,000 old age pensioners have to apply for relief. In view of that, could I ask him to reconsider the answer which he has given?

The Prime Minister

I cannot argue the matter now. The question I was asked was whether I could find time for the consideration of this Motion and my answer, I regret to say, is in the negative.

Mr. Stephen

Does the right hon. Gentleman visualise the difficulties of these people on 10s. a week in the terrible cold which we have been experiencing?

Mr. Ellis Smith

Has the Prime Minister seen the undertaking given at the National Labour Group Conference held a few weeks ago, and have representations arising out of that been made to the Prime Minister by members of that body?

The Prime Minister

That is another question.

Mr. Tinker

I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to this matter when we resume our business in January.

53. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the resolution passed by the city council of Stoke-on-Trent, and forwarded to him by the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, asking the Government to introduce legislation to provide that, if the wife of an insured worker is junior in age to her husband, her pension shall become payable as soon as her husband becomes entitled to his pension; and what action does he propose to take?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 13th of this month to the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey).

Mr. Smith

Are there any prospects of anything being done for old age pensioners?

Sir J. Simon

I am afraid I cannot go into that point in answer to the question which I was asked.