Local Government and Civil Service Pensioners

HC Deb 14 June 1955 vol 542 cc420-1

42. Dr. King

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government will bring in a new Pensions (Increase) Act to supplement the work of former similar Acts in assisting aged local government and Civil Service pensioners whose pensions have lagged behind the rise in the cost of living.

Mr. R. A. Butler

This matter is being kept under review.

Dr. King

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer remember that these are small groups of people who cannot affect General Election results, and that these are people who for five years have been suffering a steady diminution in their standard of living? Has not the time now come for a further Pensions (Increase) Act?

Mr. Butler

We have already had one Pensions (Increase) Act. I read the report of the speech of the hon. Member in the debate on the Address, and I agree with him that this is a very serious problem. That is why I gave the answer that the matter is being kept under review.