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Old Peoples' Hostels (Spending Money)

Volume 498: debated on Thursday 3 April 1952

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5.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will now increase the weekly pocket-money of 5s., as laid down in his regulations, retained out of their old age pensions by residents in old peoples' homes.

20.

asked the Minister of Health if he will introduce regulations to enable local authorities to increase the amount of spending money to old people in hostels under their control.

This matter will need to be considered in connection with the proposals now being worked out for increasing rates of retirement pensions and other National Insurance benefits.

Would the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that, whenever the pension rate is increased, some part of the increase will be added to the meagre pocket-money of these old people? Is he further aware that these people have a claim to our sympathy at least equal to that of Surtax payers, who will get their benefit much more promptly than will old people?