§ 24. Miss Burtonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he is aware that some recipients of pensions and benefits are still actually worse off as a result of the recent revision of pensions; and if he will introduce amending legislation to remove such anomalies.
§ Mr. MarplesNo, Sir. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, I should he glad to see it.
§ Miss BurtonIs the Minister aware that during the recent Election many hon. Members on this side of the House were given examples by the people themselves of how they were worse off? Is the Minister prepared to give a guarantee to any people in this country who are worse off as a result of this recent so-called increase that their pensions will be attended to and the increase put into effect?
§ Mr. MarplesIf hon. Members opposite who have had these cases presented to them during the Election will be kind enough to forward them to my right hon. Friend, every one will be looked into.
§ Mr. ShurmerIs the Minister aware that there are thousands of cases not only of old-age pensioners but of people in receipt of sickness benefit who are dissatisfied? I could mention one or two cases that have been brought to my attention this weekend of people who have suffered a reduction as a result of the reduction in their National Assistance pay. Is it fair that these people should be told by headlines in the Press and statements by the Government before the Election that all those in receipt of old-age pensions and sickness benefit would be better off as a result of the Government's statement mentioning 12s. 6d. and 7s. 6d., when many of these people get only 4s. and 2s. 6d.?
§ Mr. MarplesThe Question on the Order Paper referred to people who are
still actually worse off as a result of the recent revision of pensions.If hon. Members opposite, especially the hon. Member for Sparkbrook (Mr. Shurmer), or indeed on these benches, have any such case, I shall look forward to receiving a communication from them.