HC Deb 30 June 1937 vol 325 cc1971-2W
Mr. E. Smith

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what would be the cost of an increase in the following payments: 3s. a week to old age pensioners, 5s. a week to old age pensioners, 3s. a week to widow pensioners, and 5s. a week to widow pensioners, respectively?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

The immediate additional cost of an increase of 3s. a week to old age pensioners (including widows over 70) would be about £20,000,000 a year, and of an increase of 5s. a week about £33,000,000 a year. The cost of corresponding increases of pensions to widows (of all ages under 70) would be about £6,500,000 and about £11,000,000 respectively. In 10 years time the additional annual cost would be about 25 per cent. greater than these figures.

Mr. Kennedy

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the resolutions forwarded by the Old Age Pensioners' League and other bodies relating to the increased cost of living; and if it is the intention of the Government to provide a corresponding increase in the amount of pensions allowed?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

My right hon. Friend has seen and considered the resolutions to which the right hon. Gentleman refers. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer him to the answer which I gave on 18th March last to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths).