HC Deb 09 February 1959 vol 599 c839
9. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many persons are receiving supplementary grants from the National Assistance Board in Newcastle-under-Lyme at the latest date for which figures are available.

Miss Pitt

I am informed by the National Assistance Board that in the area served by the Board's Office in Newcastle-under-Lyme 4,109 weekly National Assistance allowances, including those for persons not receiving pensions or National Insurance benefits, were being paid on 16th December last.

Mr. Swingler

Is this not proof positive, together with the other answers given so far today, of the inadequacy of present pensions? Is it not perfectly clear that in real terms very grave hardship is being suffered? Do not the figures prove it?

Miss Pitt

No, Sir. I gave the hon. Member the figure of 4,109 on 16th December last. Twelve months prior to that, the figure was 4,402, so that the number of people who have had to resort to National Assistance has dropped. The retirement pension today for the single person is worth 10s. 8d. more than it was in 1951, and 14s. 5d. more for a married couple.

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