§ Mr. Marquandasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates would be the additional cost to the 8W House of Commons Members' Fund if retirement pensions of £500 per annum were payable without examination of means to hon. Members who had reached the age of 65 or 70 years, respectively, and had rendered a total of at least 20 years' service as Members.
§ Mr. SimonIf such pensions were paid to those existing former Members who have reached age 65 the additional annual cost to the fund today is estimated at £28,000; and at £23,000 if paid only to those who have reached age 70. I can make no estimate for the future.