§ 34. Mr. Bossomasked The Minister of National Insurance what she is going to do for the old age pensioners, whose pension has been and will be, in consequence of the cost of living going still higher, steadily decreasing in purchasing power.
§ Dr. SummerskillI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Renton) on this subject on 17th October last, a copy of which I am sending him.
§ Mr. BossomCould the Minister explain how these rather unfortunate people can get any help without going through a means test?
§ Dr. SummerskillAll the applications of the people the hon. Gentleman is referring to are considered very carefully, and I can assure him that the examination that is made bears no resemblance at all to the means test with which he, I am sure, is very familiar.
§ Mr. BossomWould the Minister mind explaining what it is if it is not a means test?
§ Dr. SummerskillIt is a needs test, which is different. [Interruption.] If I may supplement that—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Certainly. As the hon. Gentleman shook his head violently, let me 762 say that needs and means are entirely different in this respect, that the actual needs of an old age pensioner, such as domestic assistance, a contribution for laundry, a contribution for window cleaning—all these needs—are taken into consideration.
§ Mr. HamiltonCould my right hon. Friend tell us who was the leading Tory who said two or three years ago that a 26s. a week pension was premature?