§ 53. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Social Security what are her plans with regard to pensioners who find their retirement pensions inadequate in view of the present economic conditions.
§ Miss HerbisonFor the immediate future the most important development will be the new scheme of supplementary benefits. From the end of this month, this will provide, as of right, increased benefits for those who need them most. I am happy to inform my hon. and learned Friend that, as a result of the publicity for the scheme, some 450,000 old people not receiving National Assistance have already put in a claim for supplementary pension.