HC Deb 27 February 1945 vol 408 cc1237-8
65. Mr. Hubbard

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will authorise the payment now of the 6d. per day deferred pay due to old age pensioners who have been stood down from C.D.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Miss Ellen Wilkinson)

I have been asked to reply. I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary gave to my hon. Friend on 16th November.

Mr. Hubbard

Is the right hon. Lady aware that many of these old people have died since retirement from Civil Defence? Is she further aware that the longer claims are delayed the larger will be the number of old age pensioners who will be unable to enjoy what is, after all, deferred payment? Will she reconsider the question?

Miss Wilkinson

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. As he was told in November, these payments can be made in the case of a person either being invalided out, or in the case of death, but they cannot be given unless retirement is final in that way.

Mr. Hubbard

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that an old age pensioner who has been "stood down" from Civil Defence work is retired?

Miss Wilkinson

I am very sorry, but it is quite impossible to deal with those cases apart from the general agreement which was made with the Civil Defence and the Armed Forces as well. Both are treated on the same basis in this matter, but in cases of death, which my hon. Friend has quoted, the money is paid to the relatives.

Mr. Hubbard

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the replies, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.