CHAPTER XVII 



OLD AGE PENSIONS IN ENGLAND AND IN GERMANY — A 

 COMPARISON — A CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME SOUND — 

 NON-CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME A STATE CHARITY 



The question of Old Age Pensions, although not one of the 

 prominent points in dispute between Free-traders and Tariff- 

 reformers, is, nevertheless, so intimately connected with the 

 subject under notice, that some space may be usefully devoted 

 to its consideration. 



The Gainsborough Commission, before referred to, devoted 

 some of their time to its study, while in Germany ; and as the 

 opinion of independent working men, on a subject which 

 chiefly affects working men, is necessarily of more value than 

 that of any political party which is biassed by party con- 

 siderations, reference will be made to their views first. 



Here is what some of the members of the Commission think 

 on the subject. 



The German Scheme 



Mr. H. Beilby wrote — 



" With respect to provision for old age a German working-man 

 is better provided for. I should greatly like to see the old age and 

 infirmity pension scheme introduced into England." * 



Mr. H. Calvert says — 



" The old age and infirmity pension scheme impressed me as 

 being perfect in organisation and administration ; and it must be 

 very gratifying to know that when the time comes to cease work, 

 declining years will not be spent within the workhouse gate. Pro- 

 vision against accidents and sickness, which is also compulsory, is 

 very beneficial, as it enables all workers to become independent of 

 charity, which is always an uncertain quantity." f 



* " Life and Labour in Germany," p. xx. (Introduction). 

 t Ibid., p. xxi. (Introduction). 



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