HC Deb 26 March 1919 vol 114 cc418-9W
Mr. INSKIP

asked the Prime Minister whether, before granting at the cost of the State further increases to wage-earners who have already received more than a 50 per cent. advance on pre-war wages, he will consider the case of old age pensioners, with a view to making adequate provision for them?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

A Committee will shortly be appointed to report upon old age pensions.

Mr. HOGGE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is yet in a position to make any announcement in regard to the Committee which it is proposed to set up to inquire into old age pensions?

Mr. BALDWIN

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on Monday to the hon. Member for West Bromwich and my hon. Friend the Member for Devonport.

Mr. CROOKS

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether a man in receipt of an income of 13s. per week, who has to pay 5s. per week for the maintenance of his wife living apart from him, is entitled to the old age pension?

Mr. BALDWIN

I am afraid that I could not give a definite answer to this question, as a man's right to an old age pension would have to be decided in each case by reference to the facts of the particular case. If the right hon. Member has any special case in mind and will furnish me with the man's name and address, I will have inquiry made.