§ 51. Major Procterasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost of increasing the basic pensions of noncontributory old age pensioners by 5s. a week?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)If the non-contributory old age pension rate were raised above the contributory pension rate, it would be necessary to extend the higher rate to those contributory pensioners who satisfied the conditions for non-contributory pensions. The numbers of this latter class are unknown, and consequently the only estimate that can be given is that of the cost of raising the pension rate by 5s. both for non-contributory pensioners and also for all contributory pensioners aged 70 and over. The cost of this is estimated at £14,000,000 a year, allowing for the consequential saving on the cost of supplementary pensions that would result from the change.
§ Mr. GallacherWould it not be much better to pay these extra old age pensions than to keep on paying rent, interest and profit?
§ 54. Mr. Thorneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered a resolution from' the borough council of Brentford and Chiswick asking the Government to increase the basic rate of the old age pensioners; and what answer he has returned?
§ Sir K. WoodAs my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, this matter is now under examination in connection with the Beveridge Report.