HC Deb 08 March 1938 vol 332 cc1716-7
68. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the prospective increase in unemployment benefit, he will consider a pro rata increase in War pensions?

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Ramsbotham)

No, Sir. The fact that the Unemployment Insurance Fund is financially in a position to give contributors an improved return for their contributions has no bearing on the scales of war pensions. The scales now in operation were adopted to meet the high cost of living which prevailed in 1919, and there would be no justification for an increase of these scales at the present time, when the cost of living is much lower.

Mr. Sorensen

Seeing that the Minister of Labour has increased scales because the immediate cost of living is rising, will not the Minister see that in his Department at least as humane administration takes place as in the Ministry of Labour?

Mr. Ramsbotham

I would point out that the purchasing power of a pension, say of 40s. in 1919, had risen to 51s. 10d. in 1928, when stabilisation was effected, and is now 54s. 10d.

Mr. Sorensen

Does that affect the fact that the Ministry of Labour in recent weeks has announced an increase of approximately 1s. a week in the scale paid? Does not that indicate that the Minister of Labour realises the necessity for such an increase?

Mr. Ramsbotham

The figures I have given materially affect the position.