§ 63. Mr. Peter Robertsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now institute an inquiry into the position of pensioners generally in view of the rising cost of living.
§ Mr. GaitskellI do not think that a comprehensive inquiry of the kind suggested is called for.
§ Mr. RobertsMay I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer two questions? First, does he now recognise the seriousness of the rising cost of living? Secondly, is he prepared to take any action within the next two or three months in order to help the old age pensioners?
§ Mr. GaitskellOf course, we are aware of the rising cost of living. The question whether we should take any action about old age pensioners raises a wide issue of policy and has to be considered in the light of our total burden so far as expenditure is concerned.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonWhen the right hon. Gentleman says that it raises a wide issue of policy which has to be considered in the light of our total burden, does he mean that it is being considered or that it should be considered?
§ Mr. GaitskellIt is continually under consideration, together with a lot of other things.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksWhen the right hon. Gentleman says that he is not prepared to enter into such a comprehensive inquiry, does that indicate that he would be prepared to institute a more limited inquiry?
§ Mr. GaitskellNo, I do not think any inquiry is necessary here. The facts are known and it is a question of policy.
§ Mr. NicholsonWhat is the right hon. Gentleman doing?
§ Mr. OsborneCan the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope that the rise will be checked within the next 12 months?