asked the Minister of National Insurance whether, in view of the fact that legislation to increase old age pensions will not be in time for this year, he will give consideration to granting an additional 10s. per week to all old age pensioners for the two weeks ending 21st December and 28th December, and so bring some festive cheer into their homes.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Ince (Mr. T. Brown) on 6th November last.