HC Deb 19 June 1947 vol 438 c233W
Mr. Prescott

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to abolish the means test in respect of all State pensions

Mr. Dalton

Under the legislation which Parliament has approved, the number of people affected by a means test has been greatly reduced. It is not practicable to dispense altogether with such a test, for those who do not qualify by contributions or have needs beyond those provided for in the contributory scheme.