HC Deb 31 October 1946 vol 428 cc767-8
30. Mr. Prescott

asked the Minister of National Insurance the total number of old age pensioners whose pensions have been converted into retirement pensions; how many will now receive an increased weekly payment over and above the previous basic pension plus supplementary; what is the average weekly amount of such increase; and how many will receive no increase.

Mr. J. Griffiths

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Llandaff and Barry (Mr. Ungoed-Thomas) on 24th October, of which I am sending him a copy. As regards the third part of the Question, I am unable to say what is the average weekly rate of increase.

Mr. Prescott

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to give the information I asked of him?

Mr. Griffiths

The information I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Llandaff and Barry last week contained a fairly clear picture of how the new increases have worked out. If the hon. Member has any consequential questions to put, I will be glad to reply to them.

Mr. Prescott

My supplementary question was directed to the third part; when will the Minister be in a position to give the information for which I asked in the third part?

Mr. Griffiths

I am afraid it will require a good deal of investigation. I think the figures I gave last week present a very clear picture. Unless the hon. Member presses me, I do not think I would be justified in working out the figures precisely as he wants them, and the expense of getting out the figures would be large.