§ 27. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will increase the amounts which a pensioner can earn without suffering any loss of pension.
11. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will now consider allowing old-age pensioners to earn more than 40s. without loss of retirement pension.
§ Mr. PeakeAs hon. Members are aware, the Bill just passed by this House makes no provision for altering the earnings rule, but we can discuss the point when we come to debate the Phillips Report.
§ Mr. FletcherCannot the Minister do something about it without waiting for the Phillips Report, because the present rule creates great hardship and a very considerable resentment, and militates against thrift? There is nothing to be said for it. Why wait for the Phillips Report?
§ Mr. PeakeAs no doubt the hon. Member is aware, the Phillips Report favoured the maintenance of the earnings rule as part of the retirement principle, and also favoured the maintenance of the present level of 40s. Therefore, I suggest that we should be wise to get the views of hon. Members on all sides of the House before we propose any alteration.