Mr. Chamberlain in a speech delivered to the National Committee
of Oddfellows now assembled at Birmingham explained on Wednesday his position as regards old. age pensions. He is opposed to a universal pension, which would cost forty millions a year and destroy independence ; and rather looks to assistance given by the State to the great friendly societies, which are, in fact, societies for the promotion of thrift. Even that, however, can, he said, succeed only if the societies will take it up as a great social, and not a political, movement. We entirely agree that the pro- posal should be considered outside party, but we do not quite see why the unthrifty should be taxed for the benefit of the thrifty. If thrift deserves State assist- ance, why do we not pay 4 per cent. interest on savings bank deposits ? If all are taxed, should not all benefit ? We firmly believe that it is possible even now to grant pensions to the very old, and thus to encourage family liberality by setting a limit after which it will be unnecessary. And we incline to believe that if our people were civilised enough they would demand a system of compulsory insurance which, while it cost the State nothing, would take away pecuniary fear from the old age of the poor. A purchased pension cannot destroy independence.
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