§ 49. Mr. Bateyasked the Prime Minister whether he is now able to state whether the Government intend to hold an early inquiry into the question of old age and widows' pensions, with a view to removing some of the anomalies of the 1925 Act, and increasing the amount of the pension?
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Euan Wallace)I have been asked to reply. No, Sir. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by holding such an inquiry.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the widespread nature of this demand and the fact that the only objection is on the ground of finance, would the Government consider appointing a Select Committee of this House to inquire into how finance can be provided to meet this desirable object?
§ Mr. BateyWhen I put a question to the Prime Minister a while ago asking whether he would agree to the appointment of a Royal Commission the right hon. Gentleman answered that he thought that that was not the best way of dealing with the matter. Here, I am asking for an inquiry, and I would like the Prime Minister to say whether he does not consider that it would be a good way to deal with the question?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not want to add to the answer already given by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
§ Mr. BateyIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.