5 APRIL 1945, Page 14

THE AUTHOR OF OLD AGE PENSIONS

SIR,—I read with great interest Sir Arthur Salter's fine tribute to "L. G." But when he writes, "To Asquith as well as to him (L. G.) is due credit for Old Age Pensions," Sir Arthur does less than justice to Asquith, who actually prepared and introduced the Budget which made the first provision for Old Age Pensions. It will be remembered that on Campbell-Bannerman's resignation in April, 1908, Asquith became Prime Minister. He had already framed his Budget and introduced it on May 7th, after which he handed over to L. G. whom he had appointed to succeed him as Chancellor of the Exchequer. But, as it is the first step which counts, Asquith must be recognised as the architect of old age pensions.—Yours faithfully, F. C. THORNEOROUGH. 4 Leaside Mansions, Muswell Hill, N.Io.

Postage on this issue: Inland, lid.; Overseas, Id.