53. Mr V. Adamsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, to relieve public anxiety about the inadequacy of the rate of old age pensions, he will state the result of the inquiry which the Government has held into this subject?
§ 54. Mr. Gordon Macdonaldasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the result of the investigations into old age pensions; and what proposals he has to make?
§ 55. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now able to make a statement regarding the demand for increased old age pensions, and the Government inquiry on pensions?
§ 56. Mr. Tinkerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the investigations he has caused to be made into the position of old age pensions; and can he state when such will be laid before Parliament?
§ Sir J. SimonI would refer to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 13th September to a similar question by the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith), to which I cannot usefully add.
Mr. V. AdamsIs the Chancellor aware that, in spite of the national emergency, 1811 this remains a matter of great urgency, and, while most of us appreciate that he can do nothing spectacular, will he consider an upward adjustment of 5s., or even 2s. 6d. a week?
§ Mr. TinkerWill the Chancellor realise that this question is causing great concern and that we are entitled to something different from the reply already given; and will he again consider the matter?
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsWill my right hon. Friend also take into account that it will cost £50,000,000 to meet the suggestion?
Mr. V. AdamsIs my right hon. Friend aware that I was making no such suggestion as was made by the hon. Member for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams)?