HC Deb 29 November 1949 vol 470 cc931-2
23. Mr. Stanley Prescott

asked the Minister of National Insurance what is the total number of old age pensioners, between January, 1948, and the most recent convenient date, who have had their pensions reduced by virtue of their earnings exceeding 20s. per week; and by what sum was the total of old age pensions thereby reduced.

Mr. J. Griffiths

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

Mr. Prescott

Would it be possible to achieve this without undue cost?

Mr. Griffiths

In the early stages of the administration of the Act we kept these figures in detail, and I gave information at that time to the hon. Member in reply to a Question. We thought that there was no longer any purpose in detaching staff for this work. We think that on an average 5,000 are affected each week, but we have not now the same detailed information that we had at the beginning of the scheme.

24. Mr. Prescott

asked the Minister of National Insurance when last he received a deputation from the National Federation of Old Age Pensioners; what representations were made to him for alleviating the increasing distress experienced by the aged; and what is the policy of His Majesty's Government in this respect.

Mr. J. Griffiths

I received a deputation from this Federation on 30th March, 1949. They urged, among other things, that there should be increases in the basic weekly rates of retirement pension under the National Insurance Act to 30s. for single persons and 50s. for married couples. As regards the last part of the Question, I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a letter which I sent to the President of the Federation in reply to their representations.

Mr. Prescott

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any possibility of implementing the Socialist promise of 1945 for an old age pension of 30s. a week without a means test?

Mr. Griffiths

Our promise has been implemented.

Mr. Prescott

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when it was implemented to 30s. a week?

Mr. Griffiths

The promise was the implementation of the Beveridge report, and that we have done in full measure.

Mr. Osborne

Will the right hon. Gentleman quote that reply in HANSARD so that we can all see it?

Mr. Griffiths

It is very long, but if any hon. Member wants a copy and will let me know, I will send a copy to him.

Mr. Prescott

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, may I give notice that I propose to raise the matter again on the Adjournment.