§ 14. Mr. Edward Wakefieldasked the Minister of Education whether she will increase the scale of teachers' infirmity allowances to reflect the rise in the cost of living since 1947.
§ Miss HorsbrughI take it that my hon. Friend has in mind teachers who retired some years ago. As I explained last week, in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for Southampton, Test (Dr. King), the claims of older retired teachers for an increase in their pensions has to be considered along with those of other classes of pensioners and the whole question is now being reviewed by the Government.
§ Mr. WakefieldWill the right hon. Lady consider the possibility of linking the scale of these infirmity allowances with the cost-of-living index so that rises in the pensions will be automatic?
§ Miss HorsbrughAs I have pointed out, these pensions must be linked with the whole scheme of pensions which my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury has assured us he is looking into.
§ Mr. George ThomasIn view of the fact that the Minister has said that the review is now under consideration, will she take steps to expedite the decision, because this is really a serious problem?
§ Miss HorsbrughI quite agree that it is a serious problem, so perhaps the hon. Gentleman would put any further Questions he may have as to expediting to my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.