§ Mr. Matthew Taylor (Truro and St. Austell)Many of my constituents have asked me to present a petition on the same theme as the debate that my party called earlier this evening. [Interruption.]
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Will hon. Members leave the Chamber quietly? An hon. Member is presenting a petition.
§ Mr. TaylorMy constituents declare that
last year's increase of 75p in the basic state pension is derisory and is keeping pensioners in poverty.The issue is particularly important in my part of the world, where so many elderly people live and have lived on low incomes throughout their lives.The petition continues:
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Secretary of State for Social Security—as we did in tonight's debate—to reconsider and give all pensioners an increase in their basic state pension that reflects a real share of the nation's wealth.Liberal Democrats have campaigned with the petitioners for increases on top of inflation, ranging from £5 a week for single pensioners to £15 for single pensioners over 80, and nearly £30 for pensioner couples. I hope that on Wednesday the Chancellor will finally listen to the huge campaign that has been run for such increases, first by pensioners alone and then with the support of Liberal Democrats around the country.
§ To lie upon the Table.