§ 45. Mr. Flemingasked the Prime Minister whether he will give time for discussion of the Motion relative to old age pensions and public assistance standing on the Order Paper in the name of the honourable and learned Member for Withington, and of other hon. Members.
[That this House is of the opinion that the weekly sum paid to old age pensioners should be increased to such an amount as would render it unnecessary for any old age pensioner to seek help from a public assistance committee,]
§ The Prime MinisterI fear I can only refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer which I gave on 23rd February last in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith).
§ Mr. FlemingWill my right hon. Friend consider in the meantime some method of helping local authorities which are compelled to assist these old age pensioners who are nearly on the verge of poverty by some system of special grants in aid, because, for example, the City of Manchester now has to levy an extra rate to meet the deficiency in the old age pensions?
§ Mr. TinkerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that right throughout the country there is a very strong feeling on this matter, and will he give further consideration to this very important question?
§ Mr. MathersIs the right hon. Gentleman keeping a concession for the General Election?