HC Deb 13 February 1956 vol 548 cc2045-6
1. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will arrange for the earnings exemption limit for pensioners to be raised from £2 to £2 10s. a week.

22. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will now take steps to permit old-age pensioners to earn £3 per week instead of £2 per week as heretofore.

The Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on 6th February to the hon. and gallant Members for Brixton (Lieut.-Colonel Lipton) and Berwick and East Lothian (Major Anstruther-Gray).

Mr. Fletcher

Would the Minister not agree that this limit is now unduly low and that it penalises thrift, creates great hardship and ought to be increased?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I think the hon. Member will agree that having asked the advice of the Advisory Committee, having secured that Committee's willingness to give the matter priority, it would be very wrong for me to comment.

Mr. Gower

Has my right hon. Friend obtained an impression, both from speeches in the House and views expressed outside, that many people would like to see this matter dealt with with great urgency?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Yes. I am sure that this is a matter which commends itself to a great many people.