45. Mr. Davidsonasked the Prime Minister whether he intends to set up a special committee on pensions, with power to examine and report on various pension schemes, including the New Zealand Government scheme?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)I have been asked to reply. No, Sir. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by appointing such a committee.
Mr. DavidsonIn view of the growth of the number of old age pensioners in this country, and the increase in organisation that this will certainly demand, do not the Government think that it would be useful to set up a committee to examine this demand in full?
§ Sir J. SimonI have already stated that I do not think there would be any useful purpose in appointing a committee.
Mr. DavidsonWill the Government then consider receiving representations from those aged pensioners with regard to their point of view?
§ Sir Percy HarrisWill the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing a White Paper giving the House the advantage of the information available as to the various schemes of old age pension in different parts of the Dominions and in other countries?
§ Sir J. SimonI should have to consider that suggestion, but the conditions are very different.
§ Mr. GallacherWhat about a deputation?