§ 24. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is aware that persons who have paid National Insurance for many years are still being paid at the rate of 26s. per week, and have received no increases because they have gone to some part of the Commonwealth to live with sons or daughters; and if he will take steps to remove this anomaly.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am aware that in the case of certain retirement pensioners living in countries which are not covered by a reciprocal agreement the position is as stated by the hon. Member. The policy under which pensions payable in such countries are not increased has been applied since 1946 and I do not think I should be justified in adopting the hon. Member's suggestion, which would impose substantial additional burdens on contributors and taxpayers in this country.