§ 21. Mrs. Cullenasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what steps he proposes to take to insulate those on National Insurance benefits from the increased costs consequent on the Budget proposals.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe effect on retail prices of these proposals is not likely to be substantial, and the people to whom the hon. Lady refers are among the main beneficiaries of my right hon. and learned Friend's determination to check inflation.
§ Mrs. CullenDoes not the Minister think that there is only one solution to this problem, namely, an increase in the National Assistance scales?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe hon. Lady has asked me a Question about the effects of my right hon. and learned Friend's proposals, and I have answered it.
§ Mr. HoughtonCan the right hon. Gentleman give a forward promise to the old-age pensioners? Will it be before or after Schedule A tax is abolished?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAny promise made from these benches would carry far more weight with pensioners—
§ Mr. ManuelNo.
§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenter—than the 10s unsuccessful bribe which the hon. Gentleman offered at the last election.
§ Mr. RossDespite that brave speech, the right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the old-age pensioners are faced with increased costs of clothing, footwear and household goods, as well as their bag of sweets. In fairness the Chancellor should face this question and give the old-age pensioners an increase in their pensions.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe hon. Gentleman must face the fact that the real value of the pension is higher today than it was at any time before April, 1961. The hon. Gentleman may not like that fact, but it remains a fact.