HC Deb 14 February 1939 vol 343 cc1549-50
52. Mr. Jenkins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the cost to the Monmouthshire County Council in supplementing old age and contributory pensions, is at present at the rate of £100,000 per annum, which is equivalent to a rate of more than 2s. in the £; and whether, having regard to the prolonged trade depression throughout the country, the Government will introduce legislation to increase the rate of pensions to a standard necessary to enable the pensioners to live without having recourse to public assistance?

Sir J. Simon

I cannot confirm the statement in the first part of this question. As regards the latter part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 2nd of this month to a question by the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams).

Mr. Jenkins

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed that in this case the liability of the local authority amounts to a sum equivalent to the product of a 2s. rate, and that there are many local authorities who are bearing a very heavy financial burden in respect of the payment of these pensions; and will he take steps immediately to transfer that burden from the local authorities to the State funds?

Sir J. Simon

I do not think that the supplementary question raises any new point which was not in the original question.

Mr. Thorne

If the right hon. Gentleman wants to increase his reputation will he please be good enough to make provision for this matter in the next Budget.

Mr. James Griffiths

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the concern expressed on his own side of the House at the growing burden of rates in this country? Could not that burden be lessened by making it a national obligation, paid out of Government funds?