§ Mr. McENTEEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Metropolitan Water Board have reduced the additional pensions granted to their pensioners under the provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Act; that in the case of men in receipt of an original pension of not more than £50 per year, the increase granted was only 45 per cent., and is now to be reduced to 35 per cent.; whether the reductions already made were submitted to and approved by the Treasury; and whether he will make representations to the Board against any further reductions being made?
§ Lord E. PERCYMy right hon. Friend has no information as to the reductions referred to by the hon. Member, but he is advised that the action reported to have been taken by the Water Board would be within their powers under the Act and does not in any event require the approval either of the Treasury or of himself. In these circumstances he does not see that he could usefully intervene.