HC Deb 18 March 1947 vol 435 cc191-2
48. Mr. Baldwin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Regulations which will not permit beneficiaries under a deceased person's will drawing postwar credits until they attain the age of 65 years for men and 60 years for women, although the deceased person would have been entitled to draw them had he lived, is creating hardship; and whether he will consider revising these Regulations.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Dalton)

No, Sir. This matter is governed by Section 26 of the Finance Act, 1946, and not by Regulation

Mr. Baldwin

Does the Chancellor not realise the hardship which is caused to beneficiaries when they are not entitled to draw the full proportion of these credits? Does he think there is any justification for the State retaining something to which they have no moral right whatever?

Mr. Dalton

An opportunity will soon come for debating the merits of the matter, but I would point out to the hon. Member that this is not a matter which can be handled by regulations. There is no regulation on this subject; it is by Act of Parliament.