§ 62. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider, as an interim measure pending an increase in old age pensions, the possibility of paying to every old age pensioner in the week before Christmas a bonus of £1 or more, in addition to the weekly pension, and thus provide during that season some temporary alleviation of the needs of old persons?
§ Captain CrookshankThe Government do not feel able to introduce the legislation which would be necessary to give effect to this suggestion.
§ Mr. Garro JonesHave the Government finally abandoned the idea of giving an increase to the old age pensioners and even of giving them a Christmas bonus of the kind indicated in the question?
§ Captain CrookshankThat supplementary question raises quite a different matter. I have answered the second part of the hon. Member's question.
§ Mr. StephenWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consult with the Prime Minister with a view to the giving of time facilities for the passage of a Bill on this matter before the House rises?