§ 22. Mr. Moyleasked the Minister of Social Security if, in view of the reduced value of the £ sterling overseas and the consequent effect on the standard of living of State old-age pensioners living overseas, she will introduce legislation which will assist them by starting the practice of granting to them increases awarded to old-age pensioners resident in this country.
§ Mr. LoughlinNo, Sir. Retirement pensions are payable in sterling, even where the pensioners are living abroad. We see no reason to change this long established practice or the terms under which pensions are paid to persons living abroad.
§ Mr. MoyleWould my hon. Friend ask his right hon. Friend to look at this matter again? Is it not true that by living abroad these old-age pensioners are considerably lightening the burden on our social services? Should not we return to them a small part of the saving that they 872 are making to us, and would not the adoption of the suggestion in my Question do this?
§ Mr. LoughlinThe present rule has applied since the inception of the present scheme. The British social security system is based on, and is related to, the conditions which apply in this country; and we feel that we must continue with the present practice.
§ Mr. PagetIn exceptional cases where pensioners must live abroad, perhaps for health reasons—for example, if they cannot stand our climate—would my hon. Friend reconsider the position?
§ Mr. LoughlinThat would be a difficult thing to do.
§ Mr. LoughlinOne would become involved in the problem of establishing the facts. If public money is being spent we must ensure that it is spent in accordance with the wishes of Parliament. If a person claimed that, for health reasons, he had to live abroad, we would need to set up machinery to confirm his claim.