§ 9. Mr. Mitchisonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what percentage, as at the latest available date, of persons and of householders receiving retirement pensions or contributory old-age pensions was also receiving National Assistance.
§ Mr. WoodIt is estimated that 22.6 per cent, of pensioner households were receiving supplements from the National Assistance Board in June, 1963. Pensioners in these households amounted to 21.7 per cent, of the total number of retirement and contributory old age pensioners.
§ Mr. MitchisonIn view of these very high proportions which have now been running for some years, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that an increase in National Insurance benefits is overdue?
§ Mr. WoodThe proportion is almost exactly the same as it was at the end of 1951. It would certainly be possible to reduce the proportion, as suggested, by improving National Insurance benefits and not National Assistance, but the difficulty is that this would give no help to the poorest of those concerned, because they would merely get benefit instead of assistance.
§ Mr. MitchisonDoes that mean that the right hon. Gentleman has no intention of increasing National Insurance benefits?
§ Mr. WoodI have a number of Questions on this subject. Perhaps I can answer them when I get to them.
§ Sir J. EdenCan my right hon. Friend say what proportion of the National 756 Insurance retirement benefit has been paid for out of contributions?