§ 59. Mr. Houghtonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the amount by which National Insurance benefits fall short of their 1946 value owing to the rise in the cost of living since that year.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAbout 1s. 8d. on the current single person's rate of retirement pension, and about 2s. 3d. on the married couple's rate. The other main National Insurance benefits did not come into operation until July, 1948.
§ Mr. HoughtonWhat is this that we hear about the restoration of the 1946 purchasing power of these benefits? Will not the Minister fulfil his party's promise to keep the purchasing power of these benefits at 1946 values? Surely, this information, linked with that given in reply to Question No. 43 today, suggests that action is now needed.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI think that if the hon. Member considers the pattern of action in these matters, to which I have referred already twice this afternoon, he will appreciate that we have more than redeemed our pledge in these matters and have a record which compares very favourably with that of right hon. Gentlemen opposite.