HC Deb 01 March 1954 vol 524 c68W
47. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance to give an estimate of the cost of increasing old-age or retirement pensions to £2 10s. per week, and of raising basic pensions for disabled ex-Service men to £4 10s. per week, respectively.

Mr. Peake

With regard to retirement pensions I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Barry (Mr. Gower) on 30th November last. The cost of the increase in basic pensions for disabled ex-Service men is estimated to be about £24 million a year.

50. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will, in view of the changed value of money and in recognition of the country's obligation to its injured soldiers, now give consideration to increasing the basic war disability pensions.

Mr. Peake

There is nothing I can usefully add to what my Parliamentary Secretary said on this subject in the debate on the Adjournment on 8th February.

Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he has considered a request from the National Federation of Old-Age Pensions Associations for an early interview to put before him the needs of pensioners; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Peake

I am in correspondence with the Federation on the subject.