§ 2. Mr. Stanley Prescottasked the Minister of National Insurance by what weekly amounts the old age pension of Mrs. Salisbury of 12, Cemetery Road, Darwen, has been reduced since she returned to work as a weaver; and what is the total sum saved to date.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsMrs. Salisbury's retirement pension has been reduced from time to time in the past year in respect of earnings in excess of 20s. in a week. I assume, however, that the hon. Member is referring to the period of six weeks since 18th March during which she was regularly employed and declared total earnings of £9 13s. 0d. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, her pension has been reduced during these six weeks by weekly sums varying from 4s. to 16s., the total amount of reduction being £3 9s. 0d.
§ Mr. PrescottIs not the Minister aware that these old age pensioners of 60 years of age and over have returned to work in the mills as the direct result of a Government appeal; and would it not be wiser to reduce the further amount of £1¼ million which is to be spent on bringing foreign workers into this country for work in the textile industry, and to alleviate the means test in respect of old age pensioners who return to work in high priority industries in this country?
§ Mr. GriffithsThis is not a means test at all.
§ Mr. PrescottOf course it is.
§ Mr. GriffithsOf course it is not. The retirement pension is paid after people have retired from regular work. The 20s. is the amount they are allowed to earn after that. Moreover, this provision was accepted by all parties in the Beveridge Report, the Coalition White Paper, and in our own Act.
§ Mr. PrescottIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is a means test, but that the Labour Party will not so call it?
§ Mr. GriffithsIt is not a means test at all. It is a provision by which we permit people, after they have retired from work, to earn a certain amount during their retirement.