Could the Minister give any indication if it is his intention to bring in an amending Bill to meet Old I.R.A. pensions? Since the Second Reading speech he has made a statement that the I.R.A. have already got increases. I do not think that is correct.
Committee on Finance. - Pensions (Increase) Bill, 1956—Committee and Final Stages.
Bill passed through Committee and reported without amendment.
Agreed to take Remaining Stages now.
Question—"That the Bill be received for Final Consideration"—put and agreed to.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
I did not say that.
What really happened was that the 1953 Act brought the Old I.R.A. up to the standard of the 1950 Act. The Minister was not correct in his statement when he said the Old I.R.A. were treated better than the others. I wonder would the Minister give us any indication as to whether he intends to bring the Old I.R.A. up to the same standard as the other pensioners.
The Deputy may not debate this on the Fifth Stage.
I know, but I think the Minister might give some indication.
It would not, of course, be a matter for me.
If the Minister makes enough money available it will be spent quick enough.
The Minister for Defence promised us a Bill, and we thought some Minister might do it.
He is not blaming the Minister for Finance.
It is not in order, but if the Minister could draw his colleague's attention to the fact that something might be done for the people whose pensions are not in excess of, say, £150.
I am afraid I cannot hold out much hope at this stage.
Perhaps next year, then.
Question put and agreed to.