HC Deb 01 August 1957 vol 574 cc1487-8
8. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that, in planning the financial needs of those living on small fixed incomes, he will have regard for the policy of greater responsibility for local authorities which may vitally affect the income position of State pensioners, old-age pensioners and others dependent on fixed incomes and difficult to relieve of tax burdens.

Mr. Powell

I am afraid I cannot make head or tail of my hon. Friend's Question.

Dame Irene Ward

Is my hon. Friend aware that this point about those living on small fixed incomes, who may have additional burdens to bear when the proposals for local government reforms are implemented, was made to me by a local deputation of the National Union of Teachers? If I ask the chairman of that deputation to write to my hon. Friend and explain the matter, will my hon. Friend be kind enough to see whether the Treasury is clever enough to know what the National Union of Teachers means?

Mr. Powell

If, as it now possibly appears, this is a matter connected with rates, it is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government.

Mr. Shinwell

If the hon. Gentleman cannot make head or tail of the Question, how is it that the Clerk at the Table accepted it?

Mr. Speaker

Perhaps he was able to make both head and tail of it.

Dame Irene Ward

I am obliged to the Chair for helping me out of a dilemma.