Cost-Of-Living Index (Family Expenditure)

38.

Miss Ward
asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether, in view of the new statistics being collected in respect of family expenditure and the use which will be made of them in providing a new cost-of-living index, he will bear in mind that an average calculated with the inclusion of budgets from the higher income groups is detrimental to old-age pensioners; and whether he will consider this when fixing a fair rate of pension for the aged.

Mr. Peake
All such considerations will be taken into account.

Miss Ward
Will my right hon. Friend send that Question and answer to the chairman of the National Assistance Board?

Mr. Peake
Most certainly.