§ Mr. Woodburnasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will give an assurance that, in any proposals to increase the benefits of old-age pensioners and others, the cases of blind persons will be considered at the same time, and will receive not less favourable treatment.
§ Mr. MarplesBlind persons qualifying for any National Insurance benefit or pension will, of course, benefit like anyone else from the increases recently announced. The non-contributory pension paid to blind persons at 40 is not being increased as blind persons who are unable to compete in the labour market will benefit from the increased rates of assistance for the blind provided for in the draft National Assistance Regulations now before the House.