§ 29. Mr. Callaghanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why persons permanently retired on grounds of ill-health are unable to claim repayment of their post-war credits unless they are in receipt of National Assistance.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Sir Edward Boyle)Under the existing regulations, permanent retirement on grounds of ill-health does not, by itself, entitle a person to be repaid his post-war credits before reaching the qualifying age, but, as my right hon. Friend has said recently in reply to Questions, he is considering carefully the case of the long-term sick.
§ Mr. CallaghanI am glad to hear that. Is not the Chancellor of the Exchequer telling us that we are on our way to doubling the standard of living in 25 years? What possible justification is there for denying to a public service pensioner on a small pension of £5 a week, who earned post-war credits 14 or 15 years ago, the repayment of the money at the moment when he most needs it?
§ Sir E. BoyleI cannot go further than I have already gone. If the hon. Member will read my Answer, he will see the circumstances and the reason.
§ Mr. CallaghanWhy cannot the hon. Gentleman go further? Surely this is a question that demands an easy "Yes" or "No". Does he not realise that a great many people feel that it is an insult to the prosperity which we are told exists today that these people should be living in this condition? Must we wait until the next Budget for this relief? Why cannot we have an answer now?
§ Sir E. BoyleI am sure that my right hon. Friend will bear in mind the feeling of the House on this point. I cannot go further than to say that he is considering carefully the position of the long-term sick.