§ 3. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of National Insurance what was the average amount received by each old age pensioner by way of old age pension and supplementary allowance in September, 1946; what is the average amount being received by each old age pensioner by way of old age pension and supplementary allowance at the nearest available date; and whether the increase approximates to the official increased cost-of-living figures.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsPrecise figures are not available, but a rough estimate shows that for supplementary pensioners the average amount of pension and supplement combined was 24s. in September, 1946, and is 3os. at present. The official index indicates a rise in retail prices of about four per cent. during the period mentioned. I would point out to the hon. Member that at October, 1946, there were about 1½ million pensioners in receipt of supplementary pension. This number is now about 500,000. In addition, there were at October, 1946, nearly two million persons in receipt of basic pensions only of 10s. and 20s. whose pensions have now been increased to 26s. and 42s.
§ Mr. PiratinIs not the Minister aware that, in spite of these increases, these old folk are not able to meet the increased cost of living, and what steps does he propose to take to help them to do so, as I know is his desire?
§ Mr. GriffithsAs I have already indicated, a very large proportion of old age pensioners have had a very substantial increase by the basic rate being raised. The question of the supplementary scale 985 will, of course, fall to be considered again in the near future under the new National Assistance Board.