§ 3. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Pensions what would be the estimated additional annual cost to his Department of increasing the basic rate of war pensions paid to disabled war pensioners to 75s. per week, 80s. per week, and 85s. per week, respectivey; and the estimated additional annual cost of increasing such 1930 pensions to the sum of 90s. per week as advocated by the British Legion.
§ Mr. GowerWould the Minister agree that, when compared with the vast figures involved in a modern Budget, some of these figures are not unduly high? Would he see whether something can be done to assist this body of the community to whom all owe so much?
Mr. AmoryI am sure my hon. Friend will realise that there are a number of other kinds of pensions for which the Government are responsible and that the Government are inevitably faced with an enormous number of calls on our resources at the present time.
§ Mr. ShinwellCan the Minister persuade his hon. Friends to put down a Motion censuring the Government for their policy in this connection and voting against the Government in order to show their convictions?
Mr. AmoryI certainly would not presume to give my hon. Friends any advice on what their conduct should be,