§ 12. Mr. Sparksasked the Minister of National Insurance the estimated number of women, over 50, and men, over 55 years of age, who will fail to qualify under the National Insurance Act, 1946, for retirement pensions at 60 and 65 years of age, respectively, by reason of their not being previously insured.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIt is estimated that about 500,000 men aged 55 to 65, and 300,000 spinsters and widows aged 50-60, will become liable to be insured for the first time under the National Insurance Act, 1946. When they reach the pension age they will be allowed to choose whether they wish to claim a refund of retirement pension contributions and surrender their retirement pension rights or would prefer to continue paying contributions until they complete the 10 years qualifying period, when they can qualify for pensions at the full rate.
§ Mr. SparksWill the right hon. Gentleman consider allowing these categories of persons to make retrospective contributions, in order that they may qualify at an earlier date than otherwise?
§ Mr. GriffithsNo, Sir. We have received a large number of applications from persons who would like to make retrospective payments, and some who would like to pay by lump sum. I am afraid it would be absolutely impossible to consider schemes of that kind.