HC Deb 26 June 1958 vol 590 cc588-90
23. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, having regard to the general advantage of curbing inflation, whether he is satisfied that it is to the national advantage that those living on small fixed incomes, and in particular those covered by the Pensions Increases Act and the Royal Warrant, should have their pensions frozen while free voluntary wage and salary negotiations enable a large section of the population to meet the increased cost of living, thus making those whose financial position remains static bear an increasing burden and worsening the position of those most unable to bear it; and what action he proposes to take in this connection.

Mr. Simon

The best way to help all those who live on small fixed incomes is to beat inflation; and that is one of the Government's principal aims.

Dame Irene Ward

My hon. and learned Friend having made that observation, which I am rather tired of hearing, may I ask whether the same reasoning does not apply to everybody else? Is he aware that the object of my Question is to find out why one section of the community should have to take the situation in a static sense while other members of the community are able to reimburse their salaries and wages by voluntary negotiation? Is not my hon. and learned Friend going from the sublime to the ridiculous? I hope that we shall not leave it at that for those who are living on small fixed incomes.

Mr. Simon

I am delighted to find that my hon. Friend thinks that I have at any time been sublime. Concerning the earlier parts of her question, it is true, as she states, that those who have lived on small fixed incomes are those who have suffered worst from the inflation. It is also true that all sections of the community stand to gain by the halting of inflation.

Mr. H. Wilson

Despite the fine words of the Financial Secretary and of the hon. Lady, will the hon. and learned Gentleman explain why as recently as last week his side of the House rejected a proposal to ease the position of people living on small fixed incomes? Will the Financial Secretary say whether the hon. Lady voted against that proposal or merely paired against it?

Dame Irene Ward

Look at the right hon. Gentleman's record.

Mr. Simon

The record of the present Government compares very favourably with any other in the protection of those who live on small fixed incomes. It hardly lies in the mouth of the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the record of his Government, to take the line he has done.