§ 31. Mr. Richard Adamsasked the Minister of National Insurance why the recent increase in the retirement pension has been accompanied by a reduction in the National Assistance grant in many cases; and what he proposes to do to remedy this state of affairs.
§ Mr. PeakeI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Brightside (Mr. R. E. Winterbottom), on 12th November.
§ Mr. AdamsNot having had the opportunity of examining that previous reply, could we have an assurance from the Minister that he is looking into this problem?
§ Mr. PeakeI assured the hon. Member for Brightside that over three-quarters of the pensioners concerned have received the full benefit of the new pension rates, and that of the remainder all except a very small number have had their incomes increased.