§ Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what is the increase in numbers of retirement pensioners seeking National Assistance in 1953, 1954, 1955 and 1956; and whether he will now take steps to reduce this number by increasing the basic rate of pension benefit.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe number of retirement pensioner households receiving National Assistance increased in 1953 and 1954 by 82,000 and 63,000, respectively, fell in 1955 by 113,000 and increased in 1956 by 39,000. As the number of retirement pensioners has substantially increased, these figures show that the proportion of retirement pensioners whose pensions are supplemented has fallen over the period referred to by the hon. Member. On the last part of his Question, I would refer him to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis)and other hon. Members.