HC Deb 14 March 1955 vol 538 cc929-30
20. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he has now received a report from the National Insurance Advisory Committee on the subjects he has referred to it; and when he intends to make an announcement with regard to an increase in the earnings rule.

Mr. Peake

I have received a report from the National Insurance Advisory Committee on one of the questions referred to them and I am publishing this very shortly. For the rest, I cannot add anything to the answers given to my hon. Friend on 31st January and the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras, South (Mrs. L. Jeger) on 7th February last.

Miss Ward

Could my right hon. Friend be a little bit more forthcoming and indicate which subject he has received a report on; and if he has received the report which he has stated, can we know when we are going to have a decision, in view of the pressure which has been exercised by his own party for action in connection with these two matters?

Mr. Peake

The report which is to be published very shortly deals with small income exceptions from the National Insurance Scheme.

Miss Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that subject is not included in my Question, and can he give an answer on the two points which I made instead of dodging the issue?

Mr. Peake

I assure my hon. Friend that this reference to the Advisory Committee is included in her Question and that this is the only report which I have so far received from them.

Miss Ward

On a point of order. I asked about widows and earnings and not about small income groups.

Mr. Speaker

That is not a point of order.