§ Mr. Digbyasked the Minister of National Insurance whether he will consider amending the regulations so as to enable pecuniary benefits attached to gallantry awards and decorations for meritorious service with the Armed Forces to be disregarded in assessing means in the case of non-contributory old age pensions.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe legislation which governs the assessment of means for noncontributory old age pensions does not specifically distinguish the forms of income mentioned by the hon. Member and I have no power to amend it by regulation. I would, however, point out the statute already makes substantial provision for an all-in disregard of income of this nature; for instance, title to pension at the full rate is not affected where the income is from sources other than earnings and does not exceed £65 5s. 0d. a year or, for a married couple, £130 10s. 0d. a year.