OLD AGE PENSIONS. Memo. by Chancellor of the Exchequer.

As regards winter allowances, the Board had already decided to increase the rates from 1/6d. for persons living alone and 2/- for married couples to 2/6d. in each case. They also have under consideration a proposal to extend the terminal date for the allowances from the end of March to the end of April. These improvements together would cost about €1 million a year. The Board already have power to adjust their allowances to meet needs of an exceptional character, and as conditions have deteriorated this power has been increasingly exercised in cases in which pensioners have, for various reasons, found difficulty in replacing necessary articles such as clothing, bedding and household equipment.