71. Miss Rathboneasked the Minister of Health what would be the additional charge on the Exchequer if the income limit for women contributors under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Pensions (Voluntary Contributors) Bill, 1937, were raised from the sum of £250, of which not more than £125 may be unearned, as proposed in the Bill, to the sum of £400, of which not more than £200 might be unearned?
§ Sir K. WoodThe additional charge which would have to be borne by the Exchequer in the circumstances referred to in the question would depend upon the number of women who became contributors, but as will be seen from the Government Actuary's Report, the estimated capital cost to the Exchequer of the first 100,000 women entering on the terms of the Bill would be £4,000,000 in respect of benefits up to age 70. If the income limit were raised as suggested in the question, the average charge to the Exchequer for each entrant might be higher owing to a probable increase in the average age of the contributors. I am, however, unable to give any further estimate, as the present estimates were made only after prolonged investigation.
Miss RathboneIn view of the importance of the question, will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Government Actuary to inquire into the matter and make an estimate on the same basis as the estimate contained in his report?
§ Sir K. WoodI have conferred with the Government Actuary, and if after this explanation the hon. Lady thinks the matter requires further elucidation perhaps she will confer with me about it.