HC Deb 13 November 1951 vol 493 cc787-8
1. Mr. Desmond Donnelly

asked the Minister of Pensions when he proposes to review the rates of war pensions.

2. Dr. Horace King

asked the Minister of Pensions what steps he proposes to make to meet the claims of limbless ex-Servicemen for an increase in their basic rate of pension.

6. Mr. Roland Robinson

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will set up a committee of inquiry into the adequacy of the rates of pension paid to the war disabled.

7. Mr. George Craddock

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will review the rates of war pensions to bring them into line with the cost of living.

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Heathcoat Amory)

I refer the hon. Members to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for More cambe and Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser) on 12th November.

Mr. Donnelly

Would the Minister be good enough to repeat what the hon. Gentleman said?

Mr. Amory

It was to the effect that this important question would be examined in the course of the Government's general review of pensions.

Mr. Donnelly

Would the hon. Gentleman not agree that this is the one section of the community, above all others, which should be cushioned against any rise in the cost of living, and will he give an assurance to the House that this matter will be reviewed this year?

Mr. Amory

I am as anxious as any hon. Member in this House that justice should be done to the claims of disabled pensioners and the widows of those who have given their lives in the defence of their country. I am sure that hon. Members will agree that, as I am a new Minister who has just taken over his Department, it is only reasonable that I should make a study of all rates and scales of pensions before I express any view on the application of policy to any particular item.

Dr. King

As the claims of our disabled men may really be considered a non-party matter, will the Minister undertake not only to continue the late Government's policy of giving assistance where it is most needed, but also to examine the very sincere claims of B.L.E.S.M.A. for some special treatment for limbless ex-Service men?

Mr. Amory

I will certainly give that most serious consideration.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Will the hon. Gentleman find means whereby all pensions, not only old age pensions but also Forces pensions, will bear direct relation to the cost of living at the time when the pension is actually received by the pensioner?

Mr. Amory

My responsibility, as the hon. and learned Gentleman knows, is only for the disability pensioners, the widows of those who have given their lives, and certain other categories.