§ Mr. H. Hynd63, 64 and 65. asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (1) whether he will take the initiative in suggesting to the National Assistance Board a better scale of allowances to meet the new higher cost of rents, bread and milk;
(2) what increases he proposes in retirement and widows' pensions to meet the higher costs of rents, milk and bread resulting from the Government's latest announcements;
(3) whether he will introduce legislation to amend the Royal Warrants so as to improve disability and widows' pensions in accordance with the new higher costs of rents, bread and milk.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe combined effect of the announcements made relating to bread and milk, which amounts to one point in the retail prices index between now and the end of July, does not, in my view, justify the action which the hon. Gentleman suggests. The National Assistance Board, as the hon. Member will be aware, makes separate allowance for rent on the basis of rents actually paid.