§ 55. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Transport if she will give a general direction to the British Railways Board to take action at an early date to alleviate the position of former employees of former railway companies, such as the Old Barry Railway Company Limited, who continue to be paid by the Board pensions which amount to only shillings per week, and which have not been increased to reflect the reduced value of money.
§ Mr. GowerIs the hon. Gentleman aware that his Department's refusal to do anything about these pensions is inconsistent with the fact that some railway pensions have been increased, that pensions like these are supplemental to the retirement pension and that these very small pensions have not been changed for many years?
§ Mr. CarmichaelAny change in the level of pensions is first a matter to be decided by the British Railways Board and the Ministry, and my right hon. Friend comes into the picture only when the Board has decided to place a decision about proposals before her.