HC Deb 19 June 1967 vol 748 cc1114-5
44 and 45. Mr. Higgins

asked the Minister of Social Security (1) whether she will give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will protect old age non-pensioners from any adverse effects of Great Britain joining the Common Market; and if she will make a statement;

(2) what increase in National Insurance pensions she estimates will be necessary to offset any adverse effects of Great Britain's entry into the Common Market.

Miss Herbison

I would refer the hon. Member to the speech which the Prime Minister made to the House on 8th May. [OFFICIAL REPORT, Vol. 746, C. 1061.]

Mr. Higgins

Is the right hon. Lady aware that that is a very evasive Answer? Could she give a specific answer to the first Question? Is there an assurance that the old-age non-pensioner will be protected and, if so, how is this to be done in view of the lack of facilities for doing it at the moment?

Miss Herbison

The non-pensioner who is in need can benefit under the supplementary benefits provisions. Those provisions have greatly improved since we became the Government.

Dame Irene Ward

Is the right hon. Lady aware that the Prime Minister's speech yesterday did not cover these points at all? Is she aware that I put Questions to the Prime Minister on the specific point raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Worthing (Mr. Higgins), but they also drew an unsatisfactory answer? Will she cease to hide behind the kind of Answer she has given this afternoon?

Miss Herbison

I am sorry that the hon. Lady thinks I am hiding behind the Answer. If any Government have done more for the non-pensioner [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh"]—Yes, again I insist on this. If any Government have done more for the non-pensioner than this Government, I would like to know of it. The very fact that since November last year, 400,000 more old people have been receiving supplementary benefit, is proof that we have done more.