Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Information. – in the House of Commons at on 18 October 1939.
Mr John Tinker
, Leigh
asked the Prime Minister, in view of the decision made to defer for a time the investigation into the position of old age pensioners, whether he will allow time for discussion of the Motion standing on the Order Paper in the names of the hon. Member for Leigh and other hon. Members, which seeks to give an increase to old age pensioners?
Mr Neville Chamberlain
, Birmingham, Edgbaston
I regret that I am unable to take the view that any useful purpose would be served by a discussion upon the proposal put forward by the hon. Member which in present circumstances is obviously impossible.
Mr Clement Attlee
, Stepney Limehouse
May I ask the Prime Minister, in view of the concern in all parts of the House on the question of old age pensioners, whether he will not give time for the discussion of the matter by way of a Resolution in order that the House may express its opinion? It would be better done in that way and cover a wider scope than by a Debate on the Adjournment.
Mr Neville Chamberlain
, Birmingham, Edgbaston
The question was in relation to a particular proposal. I might remind the right hon. Gentleman that we had a discussion on this matter as lately as last July, and I do not think there is anything new to be said.
Mr Clement Attlee
, Stepney Limehouse
May I put it to the Prime Minister that in response to that discussion the Government proposed to set up an inquiry? I understand that that is now suspended. In view of that suspension a new situation has arisen. I am not concerned with the exact form of the Resolution, but will the right hon. Gentleman give time for a discussion of a Resolution on the subject?
Mr Neville Chamberlain
, Birmingham, Edgbaston
We had better see what the Motion is. If the right hon. Gentleman will take the usual course and discuss it through the usual channels, we will see what can be done.
Mr James Maxton
, Glasgow Bridgeton
Would it not be better, instead of having a discussion, if the Government decided to do something and so saved Parliamentary time?
Mr Neville Chamberlain
, Birmingham, Edgbaston
It would be simple to double or treble the present rate, but there are a good many other considerations.
Mr William Gallacher
, Fife Western
Instead of talking about a new world, why do you not do something for the people in the old world?
The order paper is issued daily and lists the business which will be dealt with during that day's sitting of the House of Commons.
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