HC Deb 15 November 1949 vol 469 cc1836-7
14. Mr. J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Pensions whether in view of the increased cost of living as a result of the devaluation of the pound, he will now reconsider his decision not to appoint a Select Committee to consider war disability pensions.

Mr. Marquand

No, Sir.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether it is his intention to make any increases to meet these new circumstances or alternatively, whether he is quite satisfied with the position of these pensioners?

Mr. Marquand

The only people who so far as I am aware have suffered from devaluation are pensioners living in hard currency countries, and I have already informed the House what I propose to do about them.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Then is the right hon. Gentleman arguing against the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement that the cost of living is bound to rise?

Mr. Marquand

We cross our bridges when we come to them.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

While the Government may not favour the machinery of the Select Committee which is suggested in this Question, does not the Minister feel that the time has now come for a complete and comprehensive review of this question, particularly in view of the remission now being contemplated for Surtax payers of a certain kind?

Mr. Marquand

I am fully satisfied that all information that can be made available has already been made available to this House.