§ 7. Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power when he hopes to make a statement on the improvement of pension schemes taken over under the Electricity Act, 1947, and the Gas Act, 1948, which now provide inadequate benefit in relation to living costs.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydConsultations have been unavoidably prolonged, but I hope to be in a position to make a statement soon.
§ Mr. PalmerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a matter of very serious concern to employees in both these industries?
§ Dame Irene WardAs my right hon. Friend is having discussions on pension schemes, does that mean that the Government are to bring forward comprehensive pension schemes for people on small 1558 fixed incomes, or shall we deal with this problem piece-meal? I am very anxious to know.
§ Dame Irene WardI really could not hear.
§ Mr. LloydThat is an entirely different question, and if my hon. Friend wishes to address it to a Minister, it should be addressed to the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance.
§ Dame Irene WardNo. It is the Chancellor.