§ 5. Miss Burtonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in framing his forthcoming Budget, he would consider linking the old age pension to the cost-of-living index.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo, Sir. Such a link would be impracticable.
§ Miss BurtonIf old age pensions were financed out of taxation rather than out of contributory amounts, would the hon. Gentleman not consider that this might possibly be done, and would he not agree that the only way by which the old people can be safeguarded against a rise in the cost of living is that their pensions should be linked to the cost of living?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe first part of the supplementary question is hypothetical. Under the scheme as introduced by the previous Administration the basis is largely contributory.