§ 18. Mr. L. M. Leverasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will introduce forthwith substantial improvements in the basic rate of retirement pensions and widows' pensions and the earning rules relating to various awards of pensions.
§ 26. Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will now introduce a Measure to increase the basic rate for all old-age pensioners in view of the recent improvements in the rates of assistance to certain categories of persons.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI will, with permission, answer Questions No. 18 and No. 26 together by saying that, so far as the hon. Member for Morpeth's Question and the first two points in that of the hon. Member for Ardwick are concerned, I have nothing to add to what I have said previously on this subject. With reference to the last part of the latter hon. Member's Question, I would invite his attention to the fact that increases in the earnings limits came into operation on 20th April.
§ Mr. LeverIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is being as nebulous as ever in saying that he has nothing to add to what he said on another occasion? What we want to know is this: is it not high time that the basic retirement pension was increased in order to make it commensurate with the increased cost of living? Is the Minister aware that many of those people who will be entitled to apply for National Assistance will not do so out of sheer pride? Why not improve the basic retirement pension in order to remove some of the stigma which some pensioners, rightly or wrongly, still feel about having to apply for National 842 Assistance? Will the Minister also assist the 10s. widows in their present plight?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterWith respect to the hon. Member's observations about the value of the pension in terms of prices, as the hon. Member is aware, the pension's real value is higher than at any time before January, 1958. I do not see how it can be said that I am being nebulous by referring the hon. Member to very clear and comprehensive statements which have been made and which deal with this very complex matter much better than can be done by way of question and answer.
§ Mr. OwenIs the Minister aware that in recent months increases have been given in respect of Service and Civil Service pensioners? Does not he recognise the legitimate claim of 4 million old-age pensioners to share in the prosperity of present-day Britain?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am aware that a considerable number of social advances have been made under this Government, but in relation to the one to which he referred, he will appreciate that the proposals of my right hon. Friend in respect of public service pensioners were the first made since 1956, whereas the National Insurance pension rates were raised as recently as early last year.