§ Mr. Beattieasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he intends to amend the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1944, especially as regards the inequitable operation of the means test; and if all existing pensioners will be affected by the Government's insurance scheme when it passes into law.
§ Mr. DaltonThe whole question of amendment of the. Pensions (Increase) Act, 1944, is under review and I am not in a position to make a statement at present. The existing pensioners affected by the National Insurance Bill are those whose pensions are payable under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1936–41, and the Old Age Pension Act, 1936. Other pen- 43W sioners are affected only to the extent that, if below the age of retirement specified in the Bill, they will in general become liable to pay contributions like other persons below that age.