§ 68. Mr. Tinkerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many organisations have been formed to assist old age pensioners in their appeal for an increase in the 10s. a week pension, and that on 28th February a meeting was held at Bolton by the Bolton and District Old Age Pensioners' Association and a resolution was carried urging the Government to increase the pension to £1 a week; and will he meet a deputation from the old age pensioners to hear them state their case?
§ Captain WallaceI am aware that such organisations have been formed, but my right hon. Friend has recently received two deputations on the subject from representative bodies, and he does not think that any useful purpose would be served by a further deputation such as the hon. Member suggests.
§ Mr. TinkerWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give these old age pensioners some hope that the Chancellor of the Exchequer will receive a deputation? After all, they are an important body and they are anxious to put their case before the Chancellor. I think the Chancellor ought to receive such a body, and see what they have to say.
Captain WallacesOn Thursday, 2nd February, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer received a deputation representing all parties in the House, and on Wednesday, 15th February, he received a deputation from the Trades Union Congress. On both occasions, notices were issued to the Press, after the meeting, giving a list of the people who attended and stating that the Chancellor promised to give consideration to the points put to him. In those circumstances, my right hon. Friend does 1757 not think that any useful purpose would be served by receiving another deputation.
§ Sir John HaslamIs it not a fact that one of the hon. Members representing Bolton drew my right hon. and gallant Friend's attention to this subject some days ago?