HC Deb 28 June 1938 vol 337 cc1679-80
5. Mr. Cassells

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will obtain statistics to establish the number of old age pensioners in receipt of public assistance but whose wives are not entitled to any pension allowance?

Mr. Colville

The statistics desired by the hon. Member could be obtained only by means of a special inquiry on the part of local authorities, which I do not feel justified in asking them to undertake.

Mr. Cassells

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider this information of vital importance having regard to the constant demand which is made for an increase in 'old age pensions? Does he not consider it would be well worth while to obtain this information?

Mr. Colville

I can assure the hon. Member that I did consider that aspect of the matter, but, as he knows, local authorities sometimes complain of the tasks they are asked to do, and it would involve a separate investigation into every case to get the figure required.

Mr. Gallacher

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider setting up a Select Committee of this House to consider the question of old age pensions and to end all these anomalies?

Mr. Cassells

Has the right hon. Gentleman personally made any approach to any local authorities to ascertain their opinion on this particular line of investigation?

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