§ 53. Mr. Shinwellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered a petition sent to him by the hon. Member for Seaham signed by several thousand persons, urging the Government to increase old age pensions; and what answer he proposes to make?
§ Sir J. SimonI have seen this petition, and I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 2nd February to a question by the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams).
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that these people have been exposed to great hardships, and that many of them have been compelled, because of their privations, to apply to local authorities for assistance? 1190 Will the Government hold out any hope of this increase being made?
§ Sir J. SimonIf the hon. Member will look at the reference, he will see that the matter was very fully dealt with by the then Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
Viscountess AstorWill my right hon. Friend ascertain from the Opposition whether it really is part of their pledge, or promise, to give increased old age pensions to these people; and, if it is not, is it not a crime to lead them on?