§ Q2. Mr. Strangasked the Prime Minister if he will undertake to pay an official visit to Edinburgh in 1971.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, on 27th March, 1971.
§ Mr. StrangWhen the Prime Minister visits Edinburgh next March, will he take time to attend a meeting of the Edinburgh Area Council of the Scottish Old-Age Pensioners' Association? After his famous Leicester speech, when he said that price increases hit pensioners hardest, and when he promised to fight on the pensioners' side, will he explain why his Government have announced massive tax cuts for the rich but have stubbornly refused to give pensioners an increase to help them through the winter?
§ The Prime MinisterOne of the first measures of this Government was to introduce pensions for the over-80s, which we had pledged. When I visit Scotland, I am quite prepared to discuss these matters with pensioners' representatives.
§ Mr. Robert HughesWill the Prime Minister confirm that his over-80s pensions Act was such a fraud that the Government are already having to consider fresh legislation? Will he give an assurance that the ordinary pensioners will have their pensions increased soon?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the hon. Gentleman had seen the letters I have received from those concerned, thanking us for introducing that Measure, he would understand the real position. Such a Measure was consistently rejected by his own side throughout the last Parliament.