§ 54. Mr. Tinkerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the feeling in the country for an increase in the basic rate of old age pensions; and if provision will be made for it in the forthcoming Financial Statement; the Budget, in April.
§ Sir J. AndersonI am aware of the feeling to which the hon. Member refers but, as the House has already been informed, the whole matter of old age pensions is under consideration as part of the Beveridge Report and I cannot anticipate the conclusions which will be reached.
§ Mr. TinkerIf there is no change in the forthcoming Budget Statement, there will be a fight on the question when the time comes.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs there any estimate of the number of the people concerned, who are in employment and earning handsome wages?
§ Sir J. AndersonIt would be difficult to say offhand.