§ 33. Captain Marsdenasked the Minister of Pensions on what grounds the basic pension for 100 per cent. disabled ex-Service men was fixed at 40s. per week; and whether the present pension of 45s. is fixed on the same grounds.
§ The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Buchanan)By Article 24A of the Royal Warrant of 6th December, 1919, the rate of 40s. a week was deemed to be based on the cost of living for the year 1919, when the average figure was 215. At the outbreak of the 1939 war the rate for cases arising out of that war was fixed at 32s. 6d. a week. This rate was increased from time to time and became 45s. a week in February, 1946, that being the rate laid down for the industrially disabled under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act, 1946.
§ Captain MarsdenIs the Minister aware of the fact that since the basic pension was fixed at 40s., the wages of an agricultural labourer, for the reason which he has given—the rise in the cost of living—have increased by 187 percent., and the salaries of Members of Parliament by 150 per cent., and does he think that a measly little rise of 12½ per cent. is adequate?
§ Mr. BuchananOn this matter, hon. Members opposite have not such brilliant records. They fixed 32s. and then 39s. That does not solve the problem. On this question of pensions, there is a whole host of matters that one would like to improve. I have met the British Legion and discussed the question of what is the best way of using the State's money. I say, frankly that I would like to include a number of things, but I do not know that this would be my first, because, in addition to the 45s., there are other grants and allowances which increase the sum considerably. My own view is that if I were asked what was the first thing I would do with State money in this Department—and I frankly confess it—I would see that the people now relying on pensions were even more humanely treated—not that they have not been humanely treated—in in the future than in the past.
§ 36. Mr. De la Bereasked the Minister of Pensions whether in connection with the pensioners of the 1914–18 war, now approaching or in their sixties, and who 974 cannot command a full share in the wage improvements of recent years, or take their place in the employment field at normal wages, he will now consider awarding them some special and additional increase to meet the. increased cost of living.
§ Mr. BuchananA war disablement pension is based on the pensioner's degree of disablement and not on earning capacity. This is commonly to his advantage and it would not be desirable to attempt to adjust the standard rate of pension by reference to the circumstances of the individual pensioner.
§ Mr. De la BereIs the Minister aware that many of these 1914–19 war pensioners are particularly hard hit today? Is he further aware that promises have been made from the highest authorities over a great many years that Britain will never let down her ex-Service men, and does he not think that some of these men should have consideration today in view of the increased cost of living?
§ Mr. BuchananWhat the hon. Gentleman is really asking me in the Question is to start an examination of individual cases. That I will not do. I do not propose to use the office I am in to start balancing one man against another. If anything, there is too much of that already.
§ Mr. De la BereI do not care about that answer.