§ 46. Mr. Tinkerasked the Prime Minister if he has considered the resolution carried at a mass meeting of old age pensioners at Tyldesley, Leigh, on Saturday, 4th March, asking for an increase in the basic rate of old age pensions; and, as this question is being considered with the Beveridge Report, can he now say when a statement upon this will be made.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)I am not yet in a position to add to the reply which I gave on 7th March to the hon. Member for East Birkenhead (Mr. Graham White).
§ Mr. TinkerAs the right hon. Gentleman is aware of the anxiety of the old age pensioners, cannot he tell us something definite about what is intended?
§ The Prime MinisterI am afraid I cannot add to what I said only a week ago.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the increase in Civil Service pensions, does the Prime Minister not see the necessity for giving an increase, at the earliest possible moment, to the old age pensioners?