HC Deb 24 November 1954 vol 533 cc154-5W
130. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether, in view of the fact that only administrative difficulties delay the granting of an immediate increase in the basic old-age pension, he will undertake that in forthcoming legislation on this issue the increase in pension will be dated back to Christmas 1954.

Mr. Marples

No. I do not think that insurance benefits and pensions can be paid retrospectively without undermining the insurance principle on which the scheme is based.