§ 13. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of National Insurance if she will consider granting to contributors to the former voluntary pensions scheme the option of drawing unconditionally a pension of 10s. per week.
§ The Minister of National Insurance (Dr. Summerskill)Apart from serious practical objections, I could not contemplate giving a preferential option of this kind to former voluntary contributors.
§ Mr. RussellIs the Minister aware that many contributors joined the voluntary scheme in 1938 with the idea of being able to supplement their income by 10s. a week at the age of 65, and that, instead of that, they are still paying out either 3s. 1d. or sometimes 6s. 2d.? Is it not really a repudiation of a Government contract?
§ Dr. SummerskillI am sure the hon. Member will agree that those people who voluntarily contributed in the past now stand to obtain benefits which are actuarially far superior to the 10s. a week.
§ Mr. RussellWhile I appreciate that point, it still does not alter the fact that they cannot obtain it without retiring, and that is the cause of the grievance.