HC Deb 12 May 1969 vol 783 cc963-4
44. Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now make a statement on the financing of the proposed retirement pension increase proposed in the Budget and the extent to which other social service benefits are also affected.

Mr. Ennals

I have nothing to add yet to what my right hon. Friend said in his Budget Statement and in winding up the Budget debate.

Mr. Biffen

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the prolonged ambiguity by the Government over this substantial item of public expenditure is contributing to the misery of his colleagues who are renegotiating with the bailiffs of the International Monetary Fund?

Mr. Ennals

I have rarely heard such absolute nonsense. The hon. Gentleman really must restrain himself. If he feels as strongly as he says, presumably he will try to catch Mr. Speaker's eye on Thursday, as I hope to do.

Lord Balniel

Are supplementary benefits to be increased in the autumn? Does the hon. Gentleman recollect that the Chancellor of the Exchequer said that substantial extra provision would be required to restore the National Insurance Fund to solvency? How much extra provision will be required?

Mr. Ennals

The answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is that supplementary benefits will be increased. I cannot at this stage give the figure, but it will be given later. I cannot answer the second part, although the hon. Gentleman may also try to catch Mr. Speaker's eye on Thursday and attempt to talk on this subject.

Lord Balniel

Will the right hon. Gentleman—

Hon. Members

No.

Mr. Speaker

Order. Nobody, not even a Minister, can pre-empt for a Member the catching of Mr. Speaker's eye. Lord Balniel.

Lord Balniel

Can the hon. Gentleman say if the Secretary of State personally will try to catch Mr. Speaker's eye on Thursday?

Mr. Ennals

I shall be seeking to catch Mr. Speaker's eye on Thursday.

Mr. J. E. B. Hill

On a point of order. As the Minister inadvertently answered my Question No. 56, Mr. Speaker, may I be allowed to put a supplementary question?

Mr. Speaker

A good try, but I think not.