HC Deb 11 July 1955 vol 543 cc1557-8
7. Mr. Palmer

asked 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 Lloyd

Consultations have been unavoidably prolonged, but I hope to be in a position to make a statement soon.

Mr. Palmer

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a matter of very serious concern to employees in both these industries?

Mr. Lloyd

It is an unusually complicated question.

Dame Irene Ward

As 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 fixed incomes, or shall we deal with this problem piece-meal? I am very anxious to know.

Mr. Lloyd

That is an entirely different question.

Dame Irene Ward

I really could not hear.

Mr. Lloyd

That 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 Ward

No. It is the Chancellor.