§ 34. Mr. Lomasasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if she will give an assurance that a minimum income guarantee will be introduced in the lifetime of this Parliament.
§ Miss HerbisonAs my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of 23 Lancaster told the House on 25th November and repeated on 19th February, the income guarantee is an essential part of our legislative programme, and we are working on it.
§ Mr. LomasI did not doubt for a moment what the answer would be, but is my hon. Friend aware that the assurance that the matter is being worked on will give great satisfaction to those who voted Labour at the last election in the certain knowledge that this Government would keep their election pledges, and will she give some kind of undertaking that the persons who are at present outside the insurance scheme because of the contributory factor will have consideration given to their case in relation to the income guarantee?
§ Miss HerbisonCertainly; the income guarantee is to cover all people who really need help.
§ Lord BalnielIn the review will the Minister give attention to the importance of encouraging private pension schemes? Does she recall that, in 1st February, the Parliamentary Secretary, when asked whether he would give an assurance that he would not discourage private pension schemes, replied that he could not give this assurance? Will she repudiate her Parliamentary Secretary?
§ Miss HerbisonNo, Sir. That has nothing whatever to do with the Question I have answered.
§ Mr. RidsdaleIs the right hon. Lady aware that we are getting nothing but procastination and evasion in response to the questions we are asking about a minimum national income, and will she answer three very simple questions? When is the scheme to be introduced? What will be the cost? Will it be introduced without a means test?
§ Miss HerbisonI have nothing to add to all the answers I have given today.