HC Deb 04 October 1939 vol 351 c1951
51. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in view of the announced policy of the Government not to increase the amount of old age pensions, he will, when issuing ration cards, consider issuing a special card to old age pensioners which will enable them to purchase the necessities of life at pre-war prices?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

The ration cards will prescribe the quantities of the rationed foods which consumers may purchase. As regards the question of price, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to him on 26th September.

Mr. Gallacher

Is there to be no consideration given to the old age pensioners in view of the fact that the Minister himself said that a rise in prices was inevitable? Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration some method of insuring that the old age pensioners will not go short?

Mr. Morrison

I can only refer to what my right hon. Friend said the other day, that cases of hardship will be eligible for consideration under the national scheme for the prevention and relief of distress.

Sir H. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are no old age pensioners in Russia?

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