§ 40. Dame Irene Wardasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an assurance that, in the investigations prior to the introduction of a new Pensions (Increase) Bill and a fresh Royal Warrant, the cases of retired nurses, midwives, officers and other ranks and retired colonial servants will also be added to the list already announced as covered by the investigation.
Mr. AmoryI envisaged increases of the pensions paid by Her Majesty's Government to nurses and midwives, to officers and other ranks, and to retired colonial civil servants. I am consulting the local authorities about increases on the pensions which they pay to nurses and midwives.
§ Dame Irene WardWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that assurance, which will give very great pleasure, may I ask if he will bear in mind that a general percentage increase in pensions will not really meet the case in view of the fact that the older the pensioner the less the pension? When considering all these problems, will he try to see that those who are worst off get the maximum benefit?
Mr AmoryI have much sympathy with what my hon. Friend has said and I promise to take careful note of her views, as I always do.
§ Mrs. L. JegerCan the Chancellor assure us that if any of these retired nurses and midwives are receiving National Assistance there will be no reduction in their National Assistance allowances to make up for any increased pension he is able to allow them?
Mr AmoryI do not think I could give the hon. Lady that assurance. National Assistance paid will, of course, be computed according to the normal rules of the National Assistance Board.