HC Deb 12 February 1946 vol 419 c175
Mr. Sydney Silverman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the blind person pension payable to Mrs. Parkinson, 32, Sloane Street, Nelson, has been reduced from 8s. to 2s.

Mr. Dalton

Because Mrs. Parkinson's means, which had previously entitled her to a pension of 8s., increased so as to entitle her, under the Blind Persons' Act, 1936, to a pension of 2s. only.

Mr. Silverman

Is my right hon. Friend aware that her means increased by 6s. only because Service pensions, to one of which she was entitled, had been increased in order to meet the rising cost of living? Is he also aware that, the whole of the benefit of the increase went to the Blind Persons' Committee, and indeed a little more than that, because she lost 2d. on the transaction?

Mr. Dalton

All this may be true, but that is the present law, which may be liable to amendment at an early date.

Mr. Wilson Harris

Has the Chancellor any statement to make about the other Nelson pension?

Mr. Dalton

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that down and I will give him an answer.

Mr. Silverman

Is my right hon. Friend saying that it is the intention of the Government to amend the legislation so as to make sure that the increase of Service pensions is not subject to an exception in the case of blind persons?

Mr. Dalton

I did not say half as much as that.