§ 109. Mr. Proctorasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will introduce legislation to provide that the value of old-age pensions and National Assistance payments shall rise automatically in accordance with periodic rises in the cost of living.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo. I would add that experience in the past with other pensions which were subject to such adjustment does nothing to commend this proposal.
§ Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether, in view of the increased cost of living which will result from the increase in petrol tax by 1s. per gallon, he will now increase war disability pensions.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo. I do not accept the general premises on which the hon. Gentleman's Question is based. So far as the direct incidence of this tax on war disability pensioners using cars and invalid tricycles is concerned, the hon. Gentleman will no doubt be aware of the announcement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on 11th December.
§ Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether, in view of the increased cost of living which will result from the Government increasing petrol tax by 1s. per gallon, he will now increase old-age pensions.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI would refer the hon. Gentleman to Answers given to a number of Questions on this subject on 3rd and 10th December.