HC Deb 07 April 1959 vol 603 cc14-5
25. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many elderly recipients of Crown pensions are, on humanitarian grounds, equally entitled to an increase in pension recently accorded to elderly war widows; and if he will take appropriate action.

Mr. Simon

My right hon. Friend is aware of the difficulties which face many elderly recipients of Crown pensions, and he will bear their claims in mind.

Dame Irene Ward

Am I to judge from that rather forthcoming Answer that there may be something in the Budget?

Mr. Simon

Mr. Speaker, the reply was not meant to indicate any such thing.

Mr. Harold Davies

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that when some of these elderly widows had their pensions increased their rents were increased under the Rent Act, thus cancelling the increase in pension? If I give him the names and addresses of some of these war widows, who have had increases and who belong. to a war widows' organisation run by the Government, will he look into the matter?

Mr. Simon

I need hardly say that I should certainly look carefully into any evidence that the hon. Gentleman submitted to me.