HC Deb 25 July 1939 vol 350 c1242
47. Mr. Kirk wood

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give time for a discussion on the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs relative to grants to old age pensioners?

[That this House recognises the hardship imposed upon old age pensioners at this holiday season when hundreds of thousands of their fellow citizens are enabled to go upon their holidays on full pay and money to spend as a result of the Government's expenditure upon armaments; considers it unfair that old age pensioners, who have spent their lives in toil and, owing to economic circumstances beyond their control, have been unable to put money by, should be unable to enjoy a holiday; and calls upon the Government immediatey to introduce legislation to make a special grant to old age pensioners to enable them to participate in the pleasures of a holiday.]

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. I would remind the hon. Member that this subject is to be debated on Thursday next.

Mr. Kirkwood

Does not the Prime Minister think that, at this holiday season, when hundreds of thousands of our fellow-citizens are enjoying holidays with pay—

Mr. Speaker

That hardly arises on the question.

Mr. Kirkwood

On a point of Order. What I am now doing is giving an idea of the Motion I have on the Paper. Surely it is in order for me to give an outline of it, since it is possible that the Prime Minister has never read it?

Mr. Speaker

This is not the time for the hon. Member to make a statement.