HC Deb 05 June 1956 vol 553 cc855-6
15. Mr. L. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that under the present regulations the eligibility for special campaign pension is still based on a maximum income for a married couple of 38s. a week and that an Oldham man who holds the India Medal, the Frontier Tirah Medal and the Queen's South African Medal, has been refused a campaign pension on the ground that he is receiving the old-age pension; and what steps he will take to deal with this position.

Mr. Head

Provision for such awards was withdrawn in 1931.

Mr. Hale

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that

Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' ' Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?'

But it's ' Thin red line of 'eroes when the drums begin to roll "? And is it the policy of Her Majesty's Government that I should tell this octogenarian who marched to the tune of "Soldiers of the Queen" 60 years ago to establish a multi-racial society in South Africa that he cannot have an old-age pension because there are too many old-age pensioners and he cannot have a campaign pension because there are too few?

Mr. Head

The hon. Member has made a very rapid and interesting speech, but his basic facts are wrong. When the present benefits of the Welfare State were brought in, this pension became redundant, but it does not make sense to say that a married couple are receiving 38s. a week. All are getting more than that.