HC Deb 24 April 1951 vol 487 cc207-8
51. Miss Irene Ward

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes in policy he proposes to make to assist the old age pensioners out of work below the age of 70, married couples who pay no Income Tax, bachelors and spinsters with dependants, war disabled pensioners and persons living on superannuation or small savings to meet the increased cost of living.

Mr. Gaitskell

I have nothing to add to my Budget statement.

Miss Ward

Am I to understand from that reply that the right hon. Gentleman intends to do absolutely nothing for this class of people who are on static incomes? How does he expect them to be able to deal with the ever-increasing cost of living without any relief whatsoever?

Mr. Gaitskell

There is no difficulty in finding candidates for increased payments from the State. It is more difficult to find opportunities for cutting down expenditure, in which I hope I shall have the benefit of the assistance of the House.

Miss Ward

Will the right hon. Gentleman give his reasons for his differentiation between some sections of the community and others?