HC Deb 28 January 1943 vol 386 cc629-30W
Mr. Thorne

asked the Chancellor of the. Exchequer whether he has considered a resolution passed by all the local authorities about old age pensioners asking for an amendment of the First Schedule of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1936, so as not to apply the assessment of means to capital assets which bring in an annual income, but to take the actual income received to decide whether the applicant is entitled to a pension; and what he intends doing about the matter?

Sir K. Wood

The treatment of capital resources in relation to old age pensions is under consideration as promised by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour at the end of last Session.

Mr. Groves

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the introduction of amending legislation to allow of the regulations so far as old age pensions are concerned, providing that where unmarried persons have been living together for a number of years, special consideration should be given with a view to the award of the full pension?

Sir K. Wood

The position of unmarried wives in relation to social insurance is one of the matters covered by the recommendations of the Beveridge Report which are now under consideration.