§ 53. Miss Elaine Burtonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will extend the scheme by which old age pensioners obtain their tobacco at a cheaper rate, so that it includes similar concessions for fuel, at least during the winter months.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo, Sir. The tobacco token scheme allows an abatement of tax. There is no tax on coal.
§ Miss BurtonIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that in the cold weather fuel means more to old age pensioners than anything else? Would he not consider some slight reduction in this matter? Is he aware that last week the Government refused to reduce the cost of licences for radio to old age pensioners on the ground that they cost very little? Are the Government prepared to do anything at all for them in this matter of fuel?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterA case where no abatement of tax is involved, such as this is not a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor. What the hon. Lady has in mind, I think, is an increased payment in kind in respect of old age pensioners. On that subject I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Minister for National Insurance said on 19th November.
§ Miss BurtonDoes the hon. Gentleman realise how difficult it is for a back bencher to track down where this responsibility lies? Is he aware that this matter has gone through the Ministry of National Insurance to the Ministry of Fuel and Power and to the Chancellor of the Exchequer? May I ask to whom may we appeal for a reduction in the cost of coal for old age pensioners?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn view of the fact that the hon. Lady, with her habitual skill, has succeeded in putting a Question to two of my right hon. Friends, as well as to myself, on this subject, I do not think she needs assistance from me.