HC Deb 24 October 1939 vol 352 c1201
62. Mr. Garro Jones

asked 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 Crookshank

The Government do not feel able to introduce the legislation which would be necessary to give effect to this suggestion.

Mr. Garro Jones

Have 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 Crookshank

That supplementary question raises quite a different matter. I have answered the second part of the hon. Member's question.

Mr. Stephen

Will 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?