HC Deb 09 October 1941 vol 374 cc1101-3
25. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that 1914–18 war-disabled pensioners are almost the only class of persons who have received no assistance to help them meet the increased cost of living since the outbreak of the present war; and will he disregard the out-of-date 1919 cost-of-living figures on which their pensions are based, and take steps to increase the 1919 Royal Warrant scales, and bring into line with such amended scales the pensions paid to victims of the present war?

The Minister of Pensions (Sir Walter Womersley)

Great War pensioners did in effect receive this assistance in advance since the rates of pension laid down in the Royal Warrant of 6th December, 1919, for disablement due to service in the Great War were based on a cost-of-living figure higher than that prevailing to-day; the conditions under which those pension rates may be raised are laid down in that Royal Warrant. The hon. Member may be assured that, as I have frequently informed the House, the relation between pension rates and cost-of-living figures is kept constantly in mind.

Mr. Lipson

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that the amount of pension is adequate to enable them to live under reasonable conditions?

Sir W. Womersley

The subject was debated very fully, and I have nothing to add to the statement I made on that occasion.

Mr. Lipson

Will my hon. Friend answer my question whether he is satisfied or not?

26. Mrs. Tate

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the hon. Member for Frome has received a protest from 433 men and women of Boston, Lincolnshire, against the unequal rate as between men and women under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme; and whether, in view of the growing indignation all over the country at the injustice to women under this scheme, he proposes to revise the rates?

Sir W. Womersley

While I am always prepared to consider representations relating to the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme, I am not aware that any fresh arguments against the difference in the rates for men and women under this scheme have been produced in addition to those which I answered in the course of the Debate on 1st May last.

Mrs. Tate

Is my right hon. Friend aware that no fresh arguments are needed and that the original arguments are sufficiently forcible? In view of the fact that compensation for air-raid victims is paid entirely out of taxation, are the Government prepared to reduce the Income Tax level of women, or is he going to allow the male population to be subsidised by the female population?

Sir W. Womersley

I am afraid I cannot enter into a Debate at Question Time. I answered all that the hon. Lady brought forward in the last Debate, and I have nothing to add.

Mr. Graham White

Is this a matter upon which the right hon. Gentleman intends to ascertain the views of his advisory council?

Sir W. Womersley

I have not an advisory council dealing with this matter.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

What is the reason for this grouch that the Government have against women?

Sir W. Womersley

There is no grouch. We all love them.

Mrs. Tate

You show it in a very funny way.

28 and 29. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) what rules govern the amount of hardship allowances granted to officers' wives and dependants;

(2) what, for the purposes of hardship allowances for officers' wives and dependants, the provisions of the Determination of Needs Act, 1941, are applied to the resources of the applicants?

Sir W. Womersley

I assume that the Questions relate to war service grants. These grants are issuable to members of the Forces who are suffering serious financial hardship as a result of their being called up for war service. In cases fulfilling that condition the grant is at the rate necessary to remove the serious hardship, subject to a maximum of £2 a week, and the principles of the Determination of Needs Act are observed in arriving at the assessment.

Mr. Edwards

Do different rules apply to officers' dependants from those that apply to ordinary soldiers?

Sir W. Womersley

There is no difference at all. It is a truly democratic scheme.

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