HC Deb 04 June 1942 vol 380 c810
56. Mr. W. Brown

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many Civil Service pensioners who retired on low pensions are suffering acute hardship as the result of the rise in the cost of living; and whether he now proposes to take any steps to deal with this matter?

Sir K. Wood

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 15th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Romford (Mr. Parker).

Mr. Brown

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this section of recipients of State benefit are the only section of such people in the country who have had no relief whatever in respect of the rise in the cost of living, and does he not think that it is really time something was done about it?

Sir K. Wood

I would like my hon. Friend to look at my reply, and I would also remind him of the many steps that have been taken in the policy of the Government in the stabilisation of the whole economic position.

Mr. Brown

Is it not the fact that in spite of that policy there has been evidence—

Mr. Speaker

rose.