§ Mr. HOGGEasked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the serious increase in the cost of living and the policy of His Majesty's Government towards railwaymen and miners, he is prepared to increase the flat-rate pension rates by 20 per cent.?
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§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe Royal Warrant of 6th December last provides that the present rates of pension, which were fixed in July, 1919, shall not be re-adjusted with reference to the cost of living until 1922. This period was fixed with the general approval of the House, and I do not think that the increase in the cost of living which has taken place since last year has been such as would justify a revision of that arrangement.