§ Mr. Wilkesasked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware of the grave hardship suffered by old people who receive only £1 per week 262W basic retirement pension or 35s. for a married couple; and whether in view of the rising cost of living he will ensure that 26s. and 42s. per week shall be paid to all old age pensioners as the minimum rate.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the scales formulated by the Assistance Board and approved by this House for determining the needs of supplementary pensioners. I would remind him that an allowance for rent, normally equivalent to the actual rent paid, is added to the figures of 20s. and 35s. embodied in these scales. In their application, therefore, these scales, including rent allowance, already correspond broadly with the retirement pension rates of 26s. and 42s.