§ 4 and 5. Mr. William A. Stewardasked the Minister of National Insurance (1) if he will consult with the National Coal Board on the possibility of selling coal to pensioners drawing national assistance at concessionary prices;
(2) if he will consult with the British Transport Commission on the possibility of issuing reduced fare vouchers to old age pensioners, owing to the recent increase of fares in the transport services in the London area.
§ Mr. PeakeNo, Sir. I do not think arrangements of this kind are practicable, but my hon. Friend bas no doubt taken note of the proposals for increased pensions made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Mr. StewardWith regard to Question No. 4, would not the Minister agree that the majority of old age pensioners are in far greater need of concessionary coal than are many miners? With regard to Question No. 5, would the Minister ask the Minister of Transport to consider this matter again because there is no practical difficulty? Old age pensioners could be treated as children. In other 1899 words, they could be charged at children's rates on production of their old age pension books.
§ Mr. PeakeI think there would be general agreement that it is much better to give assistance in cash rather than in kind or by means of subsidies for special classes.