HC Deb 25 May 1971 vol 818 cc213-4
14. Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what publicity he proposes to give to explain to retired pensioners, who are in receipt of supplementary benefits, the effect on such benefits when the increase in State pensions takes place in September.

Mr. Dean

All supplementary pensioners will receive a short leaflet explaining how the changes will affect their incomes.

Mr. Cox

I note the reply. Is it not a fact that when the pension increases take place in September there will be a reduction in the State supplementary pension now payable? This will mean to millions of people that the actual increase which they will receive in September will be only a few shillings above what they are now receiving? This will in no way cover the continued increase in the cost of living which they face. This is certain to cause a great deal of dissatisfaction and confusion in the minds of many pensioners. Will the hon. Gentleman therefore get his Department to look at the whole question of supplementary pensions?

Mr. Dean

The hon. Gentleman is certainly correct, but he forgets that there was an increase in supplementary pensions last November when there was no increase in National Insurance pensions. The increase over the two years will be exactly the same as the increase in National Insurance pensions. Over and above that, if pensioners have had increases in rent, for example, they will be fully covered for those increases.

Mr. William Price

Why do not all Governments tell old people the truth? Whatever the rights and wrongs of this academic argument in this House, which we understand, millions of old folk do not understand it, and many of them, for reasons apparent to both Front Benches, will be expecting a rise which they will not get.

Mr. Dean

It is for that reason that they will all get a leaflet explaining the situation. One of the great distinguishing features between this Government and the last Government is that we do tell people the truth.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

The Common Market and all that!

Mr. William Price

Nobody believes them—that is the trouble.