HC Deb 06 February 1956 vol 548 cc1323-4
14. Dr. King

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the present value of the amount which retirement pensioners are permitted to earn without affecting their State pension, as compared with its value when it was last increased.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

On the basis of the Interim Index of Retail Prices the 40s. earnings limit today is equivalent to 32s. 10d. in July, 1951, when the limit was increased from 20s. to 40s.

Dr. King

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even if there is debate as to whether there should be a substantial increase in the earnings allowance, there can be no case at all against raising the earnings allowance to the value it had when the House decided it? Would he give this matter his urgent and serious consideration?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As I think the hon. Member is aware, my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary stated our position at some length in this House on Friday. I really do not think that at this stage there is anything which I should add to what she said.

20. Lieut-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what increase he will make in the £2 earnings limit of old-age pensioners.

9. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he is now in a position to announce an increase in the £2 earnings limit of old-age pensioners.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I cannot add to what my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary said on this matter in Friday's debate.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

But is the Minister aware that the Parliamentary Secretary did not tell us very much about it? Will he take the opportunity of saying that some very early action is to be taken to alter this completely obsolete £2 earnings limit? Is he not aware that even the T.U.C., which is rather cautious in these matters, has suggested that it should be £2 10s.?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman studies my hon. Friend's speech I think that he will discover that she dealt very fully with the subject. I should hesitate to go so far as he goes in referring to "even" the T.U.C.