Orders of the Day — PENSIONS (INCREASE) [MONEY] (No. 2)

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 22 Ionawr 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Ronald Ross Mr Ronald Ross , County Londonderry 12:00, 22 Ionawr 1947

I think the general opinion of the Committee is that this increase of the upper limit is a very good thing. It does not give pensioners a very luxurious standard of living, but at the same time it does, as I understand it, prevent these old men, who were servants of the State, being deprived of the benefits which other pensioners would get from the increase of the old age pension which the House has decided. A body with which I am always most concerned in these matters is the Royal Irish Constabulary, whose members were very loyal servants of the State, who very often had a bad time in carrying out their duties. It is so easy to forget the past services of a force which no longer exists. I would like to ask one question on the position of the members of the Royal Irish Constabulary in Eire. Of course, they will not get the advantages of an increased old age pension, and presumably they get no compensating advantage, except in the case of those who happen to have some private means. Those who have private means will be able to benefit by the upper limit, which would otherwise have deprived them of part of the pensions increase. The main benefit, of course, will be for those who are citizens of the United Kingdom who qualify for the old age pension. Certainly, on their behalf I welcome this Motion.