93. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Minister of National Insurance if she is aware that many old people are too proud to apply for supplementary allowances and in consequence are suffering great hardship; and if she will therefore increase the basic old age pension and abolish the supplementary pension.
Mr. B. TaylorSupplementation of pension by National Assistance in order to deal with special individual needs must always form part of any proper system of social security. Many tributes have been paid to the way in which this service is being administered and no one need suffer hardship by reluctance to apply. So far as the basic pension is concerned, I cannot add anything to the full reply given to the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) on 7th November.
§ 100. Mr. D. Marshallasked the Minister of National Insurance under which regulation the National Assistance Board 142W is operating when its representatives question old age pensioners who are temporarily in hospital.
Mr. B. TaylorSince the question whether a non-contributory pension or an assistance grant can be paid depends on the circumstances of the applicant, it may be necessary to see him even though he is in hospital. If the hon. Member has any special point in mind perhaps he would let me have particulars.
§ 103. Mr. Burkeasked the Minister of National Insurance what proposals are being considered to improve the lot of old age pensioners in the light of the recent increase in the cost of living.
Mr. B. TaylorI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Caernarvon (Mr. G. Roberts) on 7th November.