§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the basic rate for war pensions was fixed 6W at £2 a week in 1919, and the only rise which has taken place since that date is to £2 5s. in 1946, but during this period wages have risen from 60 per cent. to 200 per cent. and there has been a further rise of 12½ per cent. since 1946; and, as the pension at current rates is no longer adequate compensation, if he will revise these rates.
§ Mr. MarquandI am aware of the increases in wage levels since 1919, but the vast majority of war pensioners who are in employment have fortunately benefited by these increases, and their pensions are in fact a tax-free supplement to their wages. For the reasons given in the Debate in the House on 29th July, the Government does not consider that there are good grounds for increasing the basic pension rates.