§ 47. Mr. Peter Robertsasked the Prime Minister whether he will institute an inquiry into the position of pensioners generally, in view of the rising cost of living.
§ The Prime MinisterHis Majesty's Government are fully alive to the importance of the cost of living to pensioners and other retired persons dependent on fixed incomes, and their policy has been directed towards maintaining the maximum stability of retail prices. They do not think, therefore, that an inquiry of the kind suggested would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. RobertsIs not the Prime Minister aware that owing to the mismanagement of the Government, which has caused the rising cost of living, there are large numbers of old and disabled people who cannot make ends meet? Will he say why he 1759 will not institute an inqury which might be able to give assistance to the Government in their efforts to try to solve this problem?
§ The Prime MinisterI have already explained that I do not think that it is a desirable method. I do not think it would be useful.