Retirement Pensioners (Hansard, 12 March 1982)

§ Mr. Tristan Garel-Jones (Watford)

I beg to move, That this House, recognising that the recent Budget statement has improved the income level of pensioners as well as improving many allied benefits of importance to the elderly, nevertheless believes that the Christmas bonus, first introduced by a Conservative Government, is much appreciated by pensioners; recognises that the present Government (in the light of the Labour Party's dismal record towards the bonus and the resulting uncertainty in the minds of pensioners as to its future continuance) has now made it a statutory benefit for all pensioners, and trusts that, as the economy improves, Her Majesty's Government will restore this benefit to a more realistic level.

I want to refer in particular to the Christmas bonus, which was introduced by a Conservative Government because we thought that it was a good idea. It has not been uprated since it was introduced, and I hope that my hen. Friend, who has been kind enough to come here today, will take with him the message that, as the Government's policies succeed, I hope that some of the first recipients of the success will be old-age pensioners.