HC Deb 27 October 1920 vol 133 cc1774-5W
Mr. F. ROBERTS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a number of individuals and organisations, representative of all shades of opinion, are pressing for the adoption of the Majority Report of the Committee of Inquiry on Old Age Pensions; and if it is the intention of the Government to put the same into effect?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I must refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House on the 19th December last. Effect was given by the Old Age Pensions Act then passed to such of the recommendations of the Majority Report as the Government were in a position to accept, and they are not prepared to reopen the question at the present time.

Mr. R. RICHARDSON

asked the Minister of Health whether dissatisfaction exists owing to the disqualification of old age pensioners from receiving their pensions whilst inmates of poor law institutions; and whether he will obtain powers to enable recipients of indoor and outdoor relief to be treated alike in this respect?

Dr. ADDISON

In view of the fact that the Old Age Pensions Acts were amended so recently, and that the suggestion made by the hon. Member was definitely rejected by the Departmental Committee, I am not prepared to recommend the alteration which he proposes.