§ 47. Mr. Owenasked the Prime Minister what representations he has received from the Durham and Northumberland Old-Age Pensioners Association relating to the amount of their pensions: and what action he proposes to take.
§ The Prime MinisterI have received a resolution from the North Durham and 1064 Northumberland Area Council of the National Federation of Old-Age Pensions Associations urging that pensions be increased. I have no statement to make on this subject at present.
§ Mr. OwenThe Prime Minister is aware that the content of that resolution is commendably mild in ratio to the anxiety and difficulties of these people. May I ask if, before the Recess, he will make a statement of Government policy concerning this request?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that it is at the desire of the Opposition that this matter is to be debated. I think either tomorrow or the next day.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsDo I gather from the Prime Minister that his right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions will be able to make a statement of Government intentions on Thursday?
§ The Prime MinisterWe had better await the debate on Thursday.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the Prime Minister aware that recently a report was issued by the medical officer of health for the Sunderland rural district area which indicated that there was a remarkable amount of malnutrition among old-age pensioners? Is he aware that the situation has become very serious, particularly relatively, because of the increase in wages in various directions and the improvement of the conditions of many other people?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. Those, of course, are all relevant matters.