§ 59. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he is aware of the growing difficulties of pensioners in meeting the steadily increasing cost of living; that the recent increases fall short of meeting the present situation, particularly in the case of single pensioners and widowers and that the difficulties are aggravated by differential means tests; and what steps are being taken to improve the position.
§ Mr. PeakeI would remind the hon. Member that retirement pensions are a part of a contributory insurance scheme the benefits and contributions of which were increased this year following the statutory review. In cases of need, National Assistance is available the scales of which were also increased this year and are kept under review by the National Assistance Board.