HC Deb 19 November 1951 vol 494 cc14-5
29. Mr. Stephen Swingler

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he will introduce legislation to amend the National Insurance Act for the purpose of providing an optional old-age pension of 10s. per week without a retirement condition.

The Minister of National Insurance (Mr. Osbert Peake)

No, Sir; I am not aware that there is any general desire for an option of this kind, which would run counter to the provision for old age made in the recent National Insurance Act.

Mr. Swingler

Will not the Minister consult with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about this, and is not he aware that the Chancellor suggested this measure in the Conservative Party's programme in 1950? Is this to be another case of broken pledges?

Mr. Peake

The hon. Gentleman will observe that this proposal found no place in my party's proposals in the year 1951, and second thoughts are often best.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Without regard to the amount, can the right hon. Gentleman say what useful purpose is served, in these days of a general manpower shortage, in having a retirement condition at all?

Mr. Peake

That is a much wider question than the one on the Order Paper.