§ 70. Mr. Prescottasked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware of the reluctance of weavers, who are old age pensioners, to return to work in the mills owing to the consequent reduction in their pensions; and whether, in view of the importance of increasing the labour force in the textile and other high priority industries, he will introduce legislation to abolish the means test for pensioners who return to work in these industries.
§ Mr. SteeleI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a Question on this subject to the hon. Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon) on 27th January.
§ Mr. Pagetasked the Minister of National Insurance when Mr. Henry Thorpe, pension No. 5674969, who retired on 30th October, 1947, may expect to receive his increased pension.
§ Mr. SteeleA pension order book at the increased rate together with an order for the arrears of pension due is in the hands of the area officer of the Assistance Board for immediate delivery to Mr. Thorpe. Delay in this case would have been avoided if Mr. Thorpe had applied 147W for his increased pension in the first instance to the local area office of the Assistance Board.