Captain BENNasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated cost, in addition to the present charge, of granting an Old Age Pension to every applicant whose income is below the Income Tax exemption limit?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe Departmental Committee on Old Age Pensions set up in 1919 estimated the additional cost for the United Kingdom of the adoption of the Income Tax exemption limit at £14,500,000. The Committee came to the conclusion that the adoption of this limit was impracticable.
§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give an estimate of the loss to the Exchequer if the amount of sickness or other benefit conferred by societies or trade unions is no longer computed against a claim for Old Age Pensions?
§ Mr. BALDWINI regret that there are no particulars available from which the estimate asked for could be given. My hon. and gallant Friend will no doubt be aware that Section (4) (1,b) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1919, allows the exclusion, in the calculation of means, of any amounts received during a period of three 523W months in any year under a medical certificate as sickness benefit from a friendly society or trade union or under the National Insurance Act, 1911.