33. Miss Wardasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will refer the case of persons drawing non-contributory pensions for consideration by the National Insurance Advisory Committee, in view of the fact that late entrants into the insurance scheme are receiving increased benefits under the new Bill, making their pensions equivalent in purchasing power to the 1946 value.
§ Mr. PeakeNo, Sir. I do not think it would be appropriate to ask the Committee to consider a matter which has nothing to do with the National Insurance Scheme.
Miss WardCan my right hon. Friend explain why it is always the thrifty people who get "billed on the head" by all Governments? Is it not time that something was done to help people in the small income groups as well as other people?
§ Mr. PeakeI can only repeat what I have said before, that this would not be a suitable subject for consideration by the National Insurance Advisory Committee.