HC Deb 16 February 1939 vol 343 cc1934-5W
Mr. G. Macdonald

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the number of old age pensioners in receipt of public assistance, he is prepared to introduce legislation enabling the wife of an old age pensioner to receive the old age pension though she has not attained 65 years of age?

Sir J. Simon

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 13th December last to the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey).

Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the figures for 1938 showing the number of old age pensioners who are getting public assistance money in addition to their pensions; and will he state what is the percentage of the total number who are getting old age pensions?

Mr. Elliot

On the 1st January, 1938, 230,652 old age pensioners out of a total number of 2,296,908 were in receipt of poor relief, representing 10.04 per cent.