HC Deb 26 January 1959 vol 598 cc684-5
19. Mr. J. Silverman

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance why Mr. A. W. Cooper of 26, New Street, Aston, Birmingham, who is an old-age pensioner subsisting entirely on his retirement pension, has been refused any assistance towards the supplementary cost of his spectacles under the National Health Service.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance (Miss Edith Pitt)

Because, as the hon. Gentleman has already been informed, the means of this couple, even after allowance for certain special needs, will be sufficient by the standards of National Assistance after meeting the normal contribution towards the cost of spectacles.

Mr. Silverman

Is it not a fact that this man is living entirely upon his retirement pension? It is true that it is a retirement pension which has been increased by increments by his working over a period, but he is living entirely on his retirement pension. Is it the Government's policy that no supplementary grant should be given in any case where the income exceeds the National Assistance standards, which are very low indeed? Secondly, is it right that the pension of this man's wife—who is living upon a pension in her own right—should be taken into consideration in the means test in assessing this matter? May I ask that people like this should be treated as generously as horticulturists?

Miss Pitt

The first and third points which the hon. Member raised go together. Both partners in this couple have a retirement pension in their own right, the husband's pension being increased by increments, as the hon. Member said. It is the general practice to take the aggregate means of the household when considering the need for assistance. When people who have a limited amount of money, but sufficient not to be in need by National Assistance standards, have to meet any charge under the National Health Service, I understand that if that charge brings them within need as assessed by the National Assistance Board, the Board will help them. I would finally point out to the hon. Member that this man had a right of appeal, and the hon. Member himself was reminded of that when the Chairman of the Assistance Board wrote to him last July. In fact, no such appeal has been made.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the hon. Lady consult her right hon. Friend on this matter? These are increments which are paid to the pensioner according to the Act and which have been increased, but the nation gains an enormous amount out of this scheme in increased production. Surely there is a case for treating increments as a disregard in matters of this kind.

Miss Pitt

That is an entirely different question. Even without the increments the resources of this couple were considerably above National Assistance standards.