HC Deb 07 February 1938 vol 331 cc687-8W
Mr. Tinker

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the age group of those over 65 years of age is increasing, and, in view of the hardship caused by the low pension of 10s. per week, will he give consideration to increasing it to £1 per week?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I am aware that the numbers of persons in the age group of 65 and over are increasing, and I gave figures showing the striking increase and its effect in increasing the cost of pensions in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for South Croydon (Mr. H. G. Williams) on 3rd February. The automatic growth of pension charges is such as to necessitate the utmost caution in considering proposals to increase the burden. I fear that the proposal in the second part of the question is impracticable.