§ 5. Lieut.-Colonel Marcus Liptonasked the Minister of Health whether he will now increase the weekly pocket-money of 5s., as laid down in his regulations, retained out of their old age pensions by residents in old peoples' homes.
§ 20. Mr. R. J. Mellishasked the Minister of Health if he will introduce regulations to enable local authorities to increase the amount of spending money to old people in hostels under their control.
§ Mr. CrookshankThis matter will need to be considered in connection with the proposals now being worked out for increasing rates of retirement pensions and other National Insurance benefits.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWould the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that, whenever the pension rate is increased, some part of the increase will be added to the meagre pocket-money of these old people? Is he further aware that these people have a claim to our sympathy at least equal to that of Surtax payers, who will get their benefit much more promptly than will old people?