§ 25. Dame Irene Wardasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that new proposals for dealing with problems arising from National Insurance benefits are under consideration by the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, he will give an assurance that he also will examine ways of assisting those living on small fixed incomes, whether by way of special taxation relief or by freeing all benefits under Government pensions Acts from tax at an age to be agreed.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI am afraid I cannot add to the reply given on 31st January to a Question by my hon. Friend about tax reliefs for persons living on small fixed incomes.
§ Dame Irene WardWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the Prime Minister, in his broadcast to the nation, referred to people who were living on small fixed incomes? Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that I am looking forward to his doing something to meet the pledge that the Prime Minister gave on that very auspicious occasion?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI will certainly bear in mind what the Prime Minister said, as I will, of course, bear in mind the hon. Lady's representations.
§ Dr. KingWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that he can give immediate and practical help to a group, with whom all of us profess to be sympathetic, if he will exempt from Income Tax in his new Budget small-pension incomes at a certain age and a certain amount?
§ Mrs. MannIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Lady the Member for Tynemouth (Dame Irene Ward) has asked for assurances time and again and that his predecessor, in January and on other dates, simply led her up the garden? He always declared that his intentions were honourable and has constantly failed to make a definite proposal.
§ Dame Irene WardIs my right hon. Friend aware that I would much prefer to stand by his honour than by the honour of hon. Members opposite?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. This all seems very wide of the Question.