§ 8. Mr. Mitchellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in carrying out the review of public service and Armed Forces pensions; and how soon he expects to make an announcement.
§ Mr. MacDermotI have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Brighton, Kemptown (Mr. Hobden) on 14th June.
§ Mr. MitchellIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that when the Prime Minister was seeking votes at the time of the election he gave a pledge that public service and Armed Forces pensions would keep their full purchasing power? Is he aware that the cost of living has already gone up 4 per cent. under the present Government and that if he does 1445 not do something soon the very severe hardship already occurring for these people will get quite out of hand?
§ Mr. MacDermotThe hon. Member will be aware that complicated questions are involved here. All are being considered. Meanwhile we tackled first things first by giving an immediate substantial increase through the National Insurance pension which benefits the vast majority of public service pensioners.
§ Mr. RidsdaleCan the hon. and learned Gentleman say when are we likely to get the next Pensions (Increase) Bill?
§ Mr. MacDermotNo, Sir, I cannot give any date.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware of the considerable hardship caused to some of these Service pensioners and will he be less callous in his answers and more sympathetic to their needs?
§ Mr. MacDermotI am not callous. I am sympathetic. I am aware of their problems and particularly of the problems of those who are not covered by the National Insurance pensions increase.