HC Deb 17 April 1935 vol 300 cc1856-7W
Mr. LECKIE

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the approximate net cost of granting pensions to all persons over 60, taking into consideration as an offset what is now being paid by way of benefit and allowances to unemployed persons over that age?

Mr. COOPER

I estimate that the net cost of granting pensions of 10s. a week to all persons over 60, after allowing for offsets in respect of pensions already payable and unemployment benefit and allowances, would approximate to an additional annual charge of £70,000,000.

Mr. G. MACDONALD

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the estimated cost of providing pensions for the wives of the men now in receipt of contributory old age pensions?

Mr. COOPER

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given on 12th February last to a similar question by the hon. Member for Wallsend (Miss Ward).