HC Deb 15 February 1954 vol 523 cc1624-7
5. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether, on the application of the Government's proposed rent increases, he will increase all old-age pensions by the same amount of these rent increases to compensate old-age pensioners for the depreciation in their pensions.

Mr. Peake

No, Sir. Such increases as may result from the Bill now before the House will vary from case to case, and to make rates of benefit vary with the individual's circumstances would involve a complete departure from the generally accepted principles of the National Insurance Scheme.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that the Government's proposals mean an increase of between 4s. 7d. and 10s. 7d. a week and that, in the main, it will affect these old-age pensioners who have been in rent-controlled properties since before the First World War? As it will affect the poorest of the poor, will not the Minister agree to do something to offset this depreciation in the purchasing power of their pensions?

Mr. Peake

There is no possible way of estimating the extent of the effect, if any, of the Housing Bill upon the rents paid by old-age pensioners. I think we had better wait and see what actually happens.

6. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is aware of the concern felt by old-age pensioners at the inadequacy of their present pension; and whether he will agree to meet a deputation from the Old-Age Pensioners' Association to discuss this matter.

Mr. Peake

I am aware that the retirement pension alone is insufficient for those without any other resources, but National Assistance is available in such cases and I have asked the Old-Age Pensioners'Federation to give me particulars of a number of pensioners said to be suffering hardship, so that arrangements may be made for them to be put in touch with the local office of the National Assistance Board and to receive the grants to which they seem to be entitled.

Mr. Lewis

May I thank the Minister for that sympathetic reply and ask him to go one step further? In addition to receiving the communications that he has mentioned, will he agree to meet these representatives of the Old-Age Pensioners'Association and discuss the matter with them, without prejudice? I am sure that he will agree that discussion is far better, and more sympathetic, than just to receive correspondence?

Mr. Peake

My concern is to see that no one suffers any avoidable hardship. I wrote to Mr. Melling, the Secretary of this Association, on 10th February, inviting him to send me particulars of the cases which have been submitted to him. I am still awaiting those particulars, and I have again written to Mr. Melling today asking him to send them. The proper time for me to meet the Association will be when I have had the cases and have had an opportunity of examining them.

11. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is aware that, since January, 1951, there has been an increase in the cost of food by 29 per cent., rent and rates by 14 per cent., fuel and light by 27 per cent., miscellaneous goods by 20 per cent., fares by 27 per cent., entertainment by 25 per cent. and laundry charges by 18 per cent; and whether he will now therefore increase old-age pensions to compensate for the rise in these items.

Mr. Peake

As the current pension rates were fixed in 1952, I do not see the relevance of referring to increases dating back to January, 1951.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister not aware that that increase to which he has referred was intended to compensate for the previous increase in the cost of living? Does he not appreciate that the figures in my Question relate to the increase in the cost of living since January, 1951. Is it, therefore, not apparent to everyone that these people should receive an increase in their old-age pensions to cover the increase in the cost of living for the past two years?

Mr. Peake

I think that the date that the hon. Member has chosen is singularly unfortunate from his point of view. Pension rates were increased by 25 per cent. single and 28 per cent. married in 1952. Since January, 1951, the cost-of-living index has moved up by about 19 per cent.

Mr. Nabarro

Is it not a fact that the enlightened economic policy of Her Majesty's present Government and the stability in living costs thereby imparted in the last 18 months are of substantial benefit to every section of the community?

Mr. Shurmer

Is the Minister not aware that anyone who visits the homes of these old-age pensioners and scrutinises their shopping lists will find it is utterly impossible—[Interruption.] Do not say "Rubbish" to me. Mr. Speaker, the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) shouted out "Rubbish," and I am not standing for that sort of thing from him.

Mr. Nabarro

I said nothing of the sort, Mr. Speaker. I said "Rub it in."

Mr. Shurmer

I was asking the Minister whether he was aware that anyone visiting the homes of these old-age pensioners could not help but feel that it is utterly impossible for them to carry on much longer on the low scales even of National Assistance, and that something must be done. The whole nation is rising up against the wages on which poor old people are having to live. Will the Minister consider increasing, if not the pension, at least the Assistance rates for the time being?

Mr. Peake

I have said more than once recently at this Box that the present level of Assistance scales is considerably more generous than at any time during the six years of Socialist Government.