§ Sir C. Rawsonasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider increasing the allowances to old age pensioners, the blind and the disabled and all those who, in spite of the demand for man-power, cannot be placed in employment?
§ Sir K. WoodI have been asked to reply. In accordance with the Resolution passed by the House on 17th June, the Government are carrying out an immediate examination of the present position of old age pensioners as accentuated by war-time conditions. The duty of providing the blind with financial assistance rests with local authorities. Pensions for disablement in the present war have already been increased, and similar increases have been given to soldiers discharged for disability since the last war. Pensions for disablement due to the last war are based on a cost-of-living figure in excess of that now prevailing.