§ 58. Mr. Gallacherasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the increased cost of living, he will receive a deputation from the Scottish Old Age Pensioners' Association on the question of increased old age pensions?
§ Sir J. SimonI do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by a deputation such as that suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. GallacherArising out of the answer, and in view of the statement made by the Prime Minister yesterday that he would receive a deputation from ex-service men, is it not desirable that the Chancellor should receive a deputation from old age pensioners, in view of the very serious difficulties confronting them at the present time?
§ Sir J. SimonI assure the hon. Member that I have considered this, and I have had correspondence with him about it. I do not think there is any other answer which I could possibly give, because I do not think in existing circumstances a deputation would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. GallacherIs it not the common practice of Ministers to receive deputations of business people when they are asking for relief, and why does the right hon. Gentleman refuse to see a deputation of old age pensioners?
§ Sir J. SimonThere is no discrimination of that sort against a deputation being received, in the case of representations from any quarter, by any Minister; but I am bound to point out that a matter of this sort is governed by finance, and I do not think to receive a deputation would be useful.
§ Mr. G. GriffithsIs it not a fact that these people have been slipping down the bannister ever since the right hon. Gentleman took office?
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.