§ 53. Mr. Channonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the grievance of retired civil servants because the recent increase in their pensions only represents a small percentage of the recent increase in the cost of living; 2031 and whether he anticipates it will be possible in due course to make a further increase in these pensions, so that they bear a closer relation to the present value of money.
§ Mr. DaltonThe Pensions (Increase) Act, 1947, which became law only last February, substantially improved the rates of increase authorised by the Act of 1944. I can hold out no hopes of further concessions.
§ Mr. W. J. Brownis the Financial Secretary aware that, although it is quite true that the 1947 Act somewhat improved the position of pensioners because of the amount of increase given to them both under that Act and under earlier Acts, it still leaves them worse off than before the war, because of the great increase in the cost of living; and does he think that is right treatment for old servants of the Crown?
§ Mr. DaltonThis matter was discussed in the House—the hon. Gentleman was amongst those who took part—and the decision of the House was that the Act as amended was just and fair in all circumstances. I can hold out no hope whatever of reopening the matter.