HC Deb 04 December 1961 vol 650 cc122-3W
95. Mr. Millan

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what communication he has received from the Glasgow Area Council of the Scottish Old Age Pensioners' Association regarding the payment of an extra week's pension at Christmas time; and what reply he has sent.

Mrs. Thatcher

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind, a letter received by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 30th November. The reply which will be sent on my right hon. Friend's behalf will explain that he has no authority to make such payments, which have always been regarded as inappropriate to our contributory and universal insurance scheme. The reply will also invite the writer's attention to the fact that this Christmas the real value of the pension is higher than at any previous Christmas and will express my right hon. Friend's pleasure that the Government have been able to provide steady and successive improvements in the value of the pension.

Mr. Oswald

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what is the total number of retirement pensioners in receipt of additional payments from the National Assistance Board in Scotland.

Mrs. Thatcher

I am informed by the National Assistance Board that at 26th September last about 80,000 weekly National Assistance grants were being paid to retirement pensioners in Scotland. Some of the grants provided for the requirements of a household with more than one pensioner.

Mr. Oswald

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will state the total number of persons drawing retirement pensions in Scotland at the latest available date.

Mrs. Thatcher

The latest available figures relate to the end of 1960 when there were some 486,000 retirement pensioners in Scotland.