War Loans

HC Deb 12 July 1966 vol 731 c1211

38. Mr. Bessell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now repay war loans at par to all persons over the age of eighty-five years.

Mr. MacDermot

No, Sir.

Mr. Bessell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is precisely the Answer which I anticipated? Considerable hardship is caused to many very old people and the amount involved would not be very great. Will he look at this matter again more seriously?

Mr. MacDermot

I am not surprised at the hon. Gentleman's lack of surprise, because the proposal which he makes would be quite unfair to people who had decided the sell because of the repeated assurances given in the past that no action of this kind could be taken.