HC Deb 29 February 1968 vol 759 cc1738-9
18. Mr. Tilney

asked the Minister of Overseas Development since the pensions of widows payable from the Ceylon Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Fund are payable in Ceylon rupees and they are therefore suffering a loss in income, what steps he is taking to mitigate the effects of the British devaluation on their incomes.

Mr. Prentice

The loss in income arises not from the British devaluation, but the greater Ceylon devaluation. We are in consultation with the Ceylon Government on means by which the sterling value of these pensions might be maintained, and we are continuing to base supplements payable from British funds on the original sterling value.

Mr. Tilney

Should Ceylon do nothing about the basic pension, will the Government augment it, bearing in mind the fact that the Prime Minister and the Chancellor said about our devaluation that the poor would not really be affected?

Mr. Prentice

I think that that point is a little premature. Consultation is going on through the High Commission in Ceylon, and I hope that this will be successful. The hon. Gentleman will not expect me to say anything at this stage which might prejudice that discussion.