HC Deb 12 May 1953 vol 515 cc1040-1
22. Dr. King

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the repayment of their post-war credits to disabled ex-Service men between the ages of 60 and 65 years.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I regret that I cannot accept this suggestion.

Dr. King

As the Chancellor will probably remember that in a previous answer he said he is constantly anxious about the question of post-war credits, would he agree that it would be a good thing if we could pay first people like those mentioned in the Question, who really need the money, before we pay those who do not need it? Could not the Treasury, who show themselves on many occasions to be exceedingly ingenious, do something about cases like this?

Mr. Butler

There is a very real difficulty in picking out those particular, although very deserving, cases in this very broad and difficult problem.

25. Mr. Gower

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now take steps to ensure that the date of repayment of post-war credits shall not be postponed solely by reason of the death of the holder.

Mr. R. A. Butler

No, Sir. I regret that I cannot go any further in releasing post-war credits at present.

Mr. Gower

Does the Minister agree that unless something is done to alter the present system some people may not be paid until A.D. 2,000 or A.D. 3,000, or indeed at all? Does he not think that this position is completely absurd, and would he not agree that Conservative and Labour leaders are equally to blame?

Mr. Butler

This was not a system devised by myself. If the incidence of death were to fall slightly before the age of 60 or 65 the postponement of payment might in some cases be deferred to about the dates to which my hon. Friend has referred. I am fully aware of the whole problem, but I am unable to go further at present.

Mr. Shurmer

Could not the Chancellor consider paying post-war credits to the dependants of men or women on the date when they would have become 65 or 60 if they had lived? That is really a good suggestion.

Mr. Butler

It so happens that the hon. Member's suggestion is about the best of many that I have received.

Mr. Shurmer

Then why not put it into operation?