§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Secretary to the Treasury when it is proposed to grant a cash increase in the old age pensions; and whether Parliament will have an opportunity of giving expression to its views and taking a vote on this grievance?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI am afraid that I cannot name a date by which an announcement of the decisions of the Government in this matter will be made; the expenditure involved in any concessions which may be decided upon will be subject to the review of Parliament, but at the present stage I cannot say in precisely what manner the subject will come before this House.
§ Mr. HUDSONasked what steps, if any, are being taken in order to alleviate the present straitened circumstances of old-age pensioners by increasing the present allowance of 5s. per week?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon Member for the Houghton-le-Spring Division of Durham on the 21st instant.