§ 66. Mr. John McKayasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered the protest of the Longbenton Urban District Council, Northumberland, a copy of which has been sent to him, against the scale under the Old Age Pensions Act, 1936, for the calculation of means, which is considered as unreasonable under the present day cost-of-living and penalises unduly applicants who have been thrifty; if he will consider amending the scale for the benefit of these aged people; and if he will give the number of persons now receiving pensions under this Act who are receiving less than the full rate, due to the means test.
§ Mr. DaltonI have considered these representations. Under the National Insurance Act, passed this year, the rates of pension and the means limit have been substantially increased, and I cannot see my way to propose further changes The answer to the last part of the Question is, 22,084 on 30th September last.