Mr. STUBROCKasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the hardship suffered by Post Office pensioners who do not fall within the scheme under which an increase of pension has been granted to employés who have retired since 1st March, 1915; why this particular date was selected; and whether he has any estimate showing the cost to the State of an increase to all pensioners, many of whom, in old age and ill-health, are living on the poverty line on account of the high cost of necessities?
§ Mr. PEASEMarch, 1915, was the date when war bonuses were first given to Post Office servants. Post Office pensioners are treated on the same footing as other retired Civil servants. As regards cost, I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for North Hammersmith on the 8th instant.