HC Deb 31 October 1957 vol 575 cc392-3
47. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Prime Minister what Departments he intends to call into consultation and what machinery he intends to set up to formulate plans for helping those living on small fixed incomes.

The Prime Minister

All the machinery of Government is available for this purpose. Much has been done in the last six years to this end.

Dame Irene Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his statement at Brighton implied that there was to he some new move forward to help those living on small fixed incomes? Is he aware that I want to know what machinery is to be used and whether every Government Department concerned with these people will be employed in order that we may formulate a scheme which will do something which is necessary and urgent?

The Prime Minister

All the machinery of Government Departments is naturally available—

Dame Irene Ward

But will my right hon. Friend use them?

The Prime Minister

—but I am sure my hon. Friend will agree that this is perhaps the most unsuitable day of the year on which to announce a policy.