§ 38. Mr. Ralph Morleyasked the Minister of National Insurance in view of the increase in the cost of living, actual and anticipated, from the devaluation of the pound sterling in relation to the dollar, what increase he proposes to make in amounts paid for old age pensions.
§ The Minister of National Insurance (Mr. James Griffiths)I assume my hon. Friend is referring to the basic rate of retirement pensions under the National Insurance scheme. This would involve an increase in contributions which I am not prepared to contemplate in present circumstances.
§ Mr. LipsonWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that, through his National Insurance officers, he will see that he is accurately informed of the effects of the increase in the cost of living on old age pensioners?
§ Mr. GriffithsYes, Sir.