§ 24. Lord Willoughby de Eresbyasked the Minister of Pensions if he is yet in a position to state what special steps will be taken by his Department to assist ageing pensioners, who now find their war disabilities increasingly telling against them; whether he has yet studied the provisions of the Canadian scheme for giving increasing assistance to ageing pensioners; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions (Mr. Blenkinsop)If war disablement becomes worse, my hon. Friend is prepared to review sympathetically the question of the amount of pension. He hopes to say something about this problem in the Debate on the Adjournment tonight. My hon. Friend is, of course, aware of the provisions of the Canadian schemes, and he is bearing these in mind, together with all other relevant information in considering the problem of the ageing pensioner.
§ Lord Willoughby de EresbyIn view of the fact that it appears to be the Government's policy not to do anything to 256 increase the basic rate in order to meet the rising cost of living, but rather to help by way of special allowances in cases that need most help, does not the hon. Gentleman think that a strong case can be made out for giving special assistance to these pensioners as they grow older?
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWe are aware of the problem, and we hope to discuss it and related problems with the Central Advisory Committee later.
§ Sir W. SmithersWill the hon. Gentleman ask his hon. Friend to urge the Chancellor of the Exchequer to pay postwar credits in such cases as are mentioned in the Question?