HC Deb 23 November 1943 vol 393 c1444
50. Mr. Kirby

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to give time for the consideration of the Petition which was presented in the House on 2nd November, 1943, in which 4,090,000 persons prayed for an increase in payments made to old age pensioners; and what is the Government's policy in regard thereto?

Mr. Attlee

There will be opportunities for discussing this question in the course of the forthcoming Session. As at present advised, I do not think it is necessary to fix a day for the purpose.

Mr. Kirby

Have the Government any policy in regard to this matter, and, if so, when will an announcement be made?

Mr. Attlee

Perhaps the hon. Member will wait for the statement.

65. Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Health whether he can furnish an estimate of the present annual increase in the number of persons of old age pension age, that is to say, of men over 65 years of age and women over 60 years of age?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Willink)

The increases in the number of men over 65 were, during each of the past two years, estimated at about 50,000 and 60,000 respectively. These figures represent an average percentage increase of about 3¼ per cent. per annum. Comparable figures for women over 60 were about 93,000 and 102,000 and 2.9 per cent. respectively.