HC Deb 09 November 1953 vol 520 c9W
48. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the number of retirement pensioners and of non-contributory old age pensioners in receipt of payments from the National Assistance Board as at the last available date.

Mr. Peake

At 29th September, 1953, regular weekly grants of National Assistance were being paid to about 912,000 retirement pensioners and 160,000 non-contributory old age pensioners. In some cases the grant covered the needs of a household containing more than one pensioner.

51. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what reply he sent to the last letter he received from the National Association of Old-Age Pensioners.

Mr. Peake

I cannot add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 27th October.

Mr. Hale

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance to state, as at the nearest convenient date, the number of persons in receipt of retirement pensions, the number of such persons also in receipt of National Assistance and the average amount of such assistance, respectively.

Mr. Turton

On 30th June, 1953, the number of retirement pensioners was about 4,200,000, of whom some 890,000 were also receiving regular weekly grants of National Assistance. When the average amount of such grants was last calculated in November, 1952, it was 14s. 1d. In some cases the grant covers the needs of a household containing more than one pensioner.