HC Deb 19 November 1957 vol 578 c185
22. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to introduce a new Pensions (Increase) Act.

27. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the increase granted to retirement pensioners now announced, he will accord similar appropriate increases to postal and other retired civil servants.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

A new Pensions (Increase) Act, became effective as recently as April, 1956, and it is not the Government's present intention to introduce another.

Dame Irene Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the Prime Minister's pledge at Brighton to those living on small fixed incomes, and is he aware that the pledge at Brighton was given after the passing of the last Pensions (Increase) Act? In view of the fact that he has already implemented the pledge to the old-age pensioners, may I ask why there is this discrimination against those living on small fixed incomes, and may we have a satisfactory answer?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I do not think that I can add anything to the Answer I have already given to my hon. Friend.