HC Deb 14 February 1940 vol 357 cc749-50

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. TINKER:

32. To ask the Minister of Health whether he is aware that at a meeting held in Leigh, on Monday, 5th February, 1940, to consider the Government's policy on old age pensions, a resolution was carried to ask the Government to reconsider the position, as no satisfaction can be given to old age pensioners unless a fiat rate increase is given to all; and will he say if this appeal will be examined by him?

Mr. Tinker

Mr. Speaker, before asking this Question, I would like your Ruling on the following point. Last Wednesday I handed in at the Table a Question addressed to the Prime Minister, and it appeared on the Order Paper the following day in that form. On Friday I got a reply from the Prime Minister saying that it would be answered by the Minister of Health. Obviously this is a question which can only be answered by the Prime Minister, and I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether it is in keeping with the dignity and authority of the Prime Minister that he should avoid answering a Question which obviously is a Question for him to answer? I ask your Ruling on the matter?

Mr. Speaker

This is a question upon which I am very often asked to give a Ruling, and I have stated that, with regard to a Question to a certain Minister, if it appears that it is a matter for which a Minister of another Department is responsible, it will be transferred to that Minister and the Member who has put down the Question will be notified.

Mr. Tinker

I hope the Prime Minister will take note of my remarks.

Miss Horsbrugh

The attention of my right hon. Friend has been called to the resolution to which the hon. Member refers, but the Government's policy on old age pensions is embodied in the Bill now before the House.

Mr. Tinker

Before framing this Question, did the hon. Lady consult with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health?

Miss Horsbrugh

I certainly consulted with my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Thorne

As no doubt the Prime Minister has read the Question on the Order Paper, what does he think about it?

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