HC Deb 14 December 1965 vol 722 c1070
21. Mr. Pounder

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on parity of pensions for retired public servants based on position held and length of service regardless of the date of retirement.

Mr. Diamond

I would refer the hon. Member to what I said on the Second Reading of the Pensions (Increase) Bill on 18th November, at col. 1360.

Mr. Pounder

I am aware of that statement made by the Chief Secretary, but does he not recall that apparently a firm pledge was given by his party at the time of the last election, and that 15 months have elapsed, during which time all that the Government have said is that it is under review? Is this pledge going to be honoured, or is this yet another broken promise?

Mr. Diamond

The hon. Gentleman has been quite inaccurate in the statement that he has made. I dealt with this matter very fully. If he will be good enough to read what I said, he will see that I made a complete answer.

Sir G. Nicholson

Surely the hon. Gentleman recognises that his party has led people to believe that the return of a Labour Government would lead to something like parity? In spite of the records of both parties in the House, will he see that these great injustices are not permitted to persist just because these people have very little voting power?

Mr. Diamond

I listened very carefully to what the hon. Gentleman has said. I dealt with this matter very fully in my speech. I took the precaution first of looking at what was said in the party documents before my answer was given to the hon. Gentleman.