HC Deb 18 October 1939 vol 352 cc871-2
45. Mr. Tinker

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the decision made to defer for a time the investigation into the position of old age pensioners, whether he will allow time for discussion of the Motion standing on the Order Paper in the names of the hon. Member for Leigh and other hon. Members, which seeks to give an increase to old age pensioners?

[That this House requests the Government to increase the weekly amount paid to old age pensioners to £1 a week and to make provision for this when the next Budget is introduced.]

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

I regret that I am unable to take the view that any useful purpose would be served by a discussion upon the proposal put forward by the hon. Member which in present circumstances is obviously impossible.

Mr. Attlee

May I ask the Prime Minister, in view of the concern in all parts of the House on the question of old age pensioners, whether he will not give time for the discussion of the matter by way of a Resolution in order that the House may express its opinion? It would be better done in that way and cover a wider scope than by a Debate on the Adjournment.

The Prime Minister

The question was in relation to a particular proposal. I might remind the right hon. Gentleman that we had a discussion on this matter as lately as last July, and I do not think there is anything new to be said.

Mr. Attlee

May I put it to the Prime Minister that in response to that discussion the Government proposed to set up an inquiry? I understand that that is now suspended. In view of that suspension a new situation has arisen. I am not concerned with the exact form of the Resolution, but will the right hon. Gentleman give time for a discussion of a Resolution on the subject?

The Prime Minister

We had better see what the Motion is. If the right hon. Gentleman will take the usual course and discuss it through the usual channels, we will see what can be done.

Mr. Maxton

Would it not be better, instead of having a discussion, if the Government decided to do something and so saved Parliamentary time?

The Prime Minister

It would be simple to double or treble the present rate, but there are a good many other considerations.

Mr. Gallacher

Instead of talking about a new world, why do you not do something for the people in the old world?