THE PENSION PLAN

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 80, 5 April 1938, Page 10

THE PENSION PLAN

QUESTIONS ASKED

Letters have been received bearing upon the Government's health insurance and superannuation proposals. The main points are given in' brief form below. "The Post" does not' wish to curb discussion unduly, but it must be pointed .out that, as the Parliamentary Committee opens'its sittings today, suggestions for alterations or modification of the scheme or arguments upon it, may best be placed directly before the Committee. The Committee's proceedings are open, to the Press, and the .will be.reported. , ■. .

"Doubtful" asks for information on the following points:— '-

1. Will everybody who has contributed to the fund benefit on reaching 60 years of age, irrespective of what money, income, or property he may possess? /'

2. Is a man's wife entitled to draw, too, or' only the husband?

,3. How much will a wife and husband receive? i

4. What benefits would dependants of contributors be entitled to if the contributor did not live to age 60? ■

The following answers are, based upon tho preliminary statement:—

1. There will be an income allowance of £l,a week for a single person or married couple without reduction of pension! Money and property have not' yet been mentioned. 2. The wife will have an equal/tpension on attaining age 60.

3. £3, making £4 with the,, maximum private income.

4. Dependants would be entitled to such (benefits as widows' and orphans' pension if they were' otherwise qualified. '

"RSgel" states that tho proposals outlined "contained not a single item of information for the people on fixed incomes, particularly superannuation, and who have so far had", nothing but penalisation through the Government's policy. Are they to be exempted from the superannuation part of the pro? posals or have they to face a still further cut in their already depleted incomes? It, is surely time the Govern_men^ ceased turning a deaf car to the minority who have-been heavy losers through its policy. I do not refer to the well-to-do class, but the many who are on very moderate fixed incomes and simply cannot afford further impositions."