HC Deb 04 February 1952 vol 495 cc87-8W
113. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of National Insurance if, in view of the hardship caused to many old age pensioners by the recent substantial rise in the cost of many essential articles, he will now expedite the review of pension rates and supplementary scales.

119. Mr. Elwyn Jones

asked the Minister of National Insurance what steps the Government propose to take to alleviate the hardships caused to old age pensioners by the rising cost of living.

Mr. Peake

I cannot add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. Chetwynd) by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury last Tuesday.

121. Mr. Boardman

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether, in view of the high and rapidly rising cost of living, he will give urgent consideration to the need for an increase in the old age pension rates; and recommended similar increases to the National Assistance Board.

Mr. Peake

With regard to the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. Chetwynd), by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury last Tuesday. With regard to the second part, I have no doubt the National Assistance Board are watching the position closely.

Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of National Insurance why the increase in retirement pensions to persons over 70 years of age is not being paid to pensioners who go to live in Eire.

Mr. Peake

No provision was made for the payment of the increase to pensioners living abroad when it came into force. This follows the arrangement made when pensions were raised in 1946.