HC Deb 16 November 1948 vol 458 cc205-6
51. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of Post-War Credits due for repayment year by year; and the amount repaid to date.

Sir S. Cripps

The total amount of Post-War Credit originally created is estimated at £800 million, of which £125 million has been repaid under the provisions of the Finance Acts of 1946 and 1947. Of the balance of £675 million, about £120 million relates to the year 1941–42, £150 million to 1942–43, £30 million to 1943–44, £185 million to 1944–45 and £190 million to 1945–46. On the existing basis of repayment (i.e., to men over 65 and women over 60) about £18 million will be repaid each year to persons attaining the qualifying age.

Mr. Chetwynd

Will my right hon. and learned Friend consider handing over some of this money to the Assistance Board who can then meet claims of hardship, being repaid later in Post-War Credits?

Sir S. Cripps

No, Sir.

Mr. W. Fletcher

Will the Chancellor consider before his next Budget some machinery whereby in cases of real hardship old people can get the money which is undoubtedly theirs? Is he further aware that there is a strong feeling throughout the country on this point?

Sir S. Cripps

Old people are at present entitled to get their money.

Mr. Nicholson

Does the Chancellor of the Exchequer shut his mind completely against any concessions in favour of particularly pathetic and hard cases? Will he not give the matter consideration?

Sir S. Cripps

I am always prepared to consider any matters put forward.