HC Deb 27 July 1959 vol 610 c28
57. Mrs. Castle

asked the Paymaster-General what consideration he is giving to proposals by the Electricity Council for extending the benefits of the Pensions (Increase) Act to ex-local authority pensioners covered by their Protected Persons Scheme without the long delay experienced in the past.

Mr. Maudling

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth (Dame Irene Ward) on 8th June last. I understand that the Electricity Council has this matter under consideration and will be submitting proposals to my noble Friend.

Mrs. Castle

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in the past when there have been previous Pensions (Increase) Acts these ex-local authority pensioners have had to wait an intolerable time for the application of these increases to them, although they have had just as much right to them as have the people to whom the Acts in terms applied? Will the Minister ensure that this delay is obviated?

Mr. Maudling

I will not argue with the hon. Lady about what happened in the past. I can assure her that when these proposals are forthcoming we will see that they are dealt with expeditiously.