§ 92. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he is aware of the hardship endured by those old-age pensioners whose sole income is their pension and who refuse to apply for National Assistance; whether he has yet received particulars of the position of these people from the National Federation of Old-Age Pensioners; and what action he is proposing to take to help them.
§ Mr. PeakeI have received no evidence from the National Federation or otherwise to suggest that there are many people 53W in the position described by the hon. Member. But while I very much regret that anyone in need should decline to take advantage of the help available to them through the National Assistance Board, I do not think I can be held responsible for any consequential hardship.