§ 7.28 p.m.
§ Mr. LeachI beg to move,
That, in view of the widespread feeling that unmarried women have legitimate grounds for complaint against their treatment under the National Health Insurance and Contributory Pensions Acts, this House is of opinion that a committee should be appointed to inquire into the justice and practicability of acceding to the claims made by organised spinsters for a pension of 10s. per week at 55 years of age and the inclusion in a contributory pensions scheme of all those who do not come under the Acts in question.The House, I think, will realise that I am in very considerable difficulties for two reasons, if not more. The first is that the responsible Minister is not in attendance, and the second is, that in a minute and a-half I shall have to resume my seat. I hope hon. Members who are interested in the two Bills which are immediately to be put before the House will agree to curtail their remarks and thus allow me proper liberty to develop this subject.
§ It being Half-past Seven of the Clock, and there being Private Business set down by direction of The CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS under Standing Order No. 6, further Proceeding was postponed, without Question put.