Prime Minister's Questions
During Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, Brooks Newmark questions the Prime Minister about the end of means testing for pensions.
Q7. [6085] Mr. Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): In 1993, the Chancellor declared:
"I want . . . the end of the means test for our elderly people".
My constituent Mrs. Phyllis Webb and the Braintree pensioners action group would like to know whether the Prime Minister feels bound by that commitment.
The Prime Minister: I feel very proud of the fact that the Government have helped pensioners so much over the years—[Interruption.] Oh, yes, we have. Millions of pensioners have benefited from the pension credit, the winter fuel allowance, free TV licences for over-75s and help with free bus passes. Let me tell the hon. Gentleman that we are happy to compare our record in 2005 and the help that we have given to pensioners with the help that they were getting in 1993. The hon. Gentleman should go back and tell pensioners in Braintree that, even though they elected a Conservative MP, they should be very glad that they still have a Labour Government.
