§ 38. Mr. Martinasked the Minister of Health, whether, in view of the continued increase in the cost of living, he will take steps to introduce a sliding scale with regard to supplementary pensions which may enable such increases to be made from time to time as circumstances may require?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe responsibility for proposing changes in the Regulations governing supplementary pensions rests with the Assistance Board. The Board inform me that they have already considered the suggestion contained in my hon. Friend's Question but have arrived at the conclusion that it would be neither practicable nor, in present circumstances, desirable to introduce a sliding scale into the Regulations, the official cost-of-living index figure being only one of many-factors which have to be taken into account.
§ Mr. MartinIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present situation is causing a great deal of hardship to people of small fixed incomes? Could he draw the attention of the War Cabinet to this matter?
§ Mr. BrownIt is the responsibility of the Board, and I will draw their attention to the remarks of the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. BuchananCannot the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Board that an increase, because of the rise in the cost of living, is overdue?
§ Mr. BrownThat is a different question. The Board take the view that there are other factors than the cost of living to consider.