§ 7. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the nature of the reply he has sent to the letter from the Salford Director of Civic Welfare regarding part-time vacancies for eight elderly men which could not be filled after being offered to nearly 300 Salford pensioners who, though eager for work, would not volunteer for a job which would have earned more than£2 10s. a week and thus have reduced their pensions.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterA reply has been sent to this gentleman explaining the operation of the earnings rule in relation to retirement pensions, and seeking further information about the particular case he had in mind. I think he is probably under some misunderstanding since my information is that the employment concerned could have been accepted without effect on receipt of a retirement pension.
§ Mr. AllaunBut would not acceptance of this job have resulted in some reduction in their pensions to which the men feel they are justly entitled? Does not the Minister appreciate the advantage of a part-time job as a halfway house to retirement, and that this is particularly what the present earnings limit is discouraging?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterSo far as my information goes, the work offered was work for three hours a day for five days a week at half-a-crown an hour, which works out at total earnings of 12s. 6d. below the present earnings limit. Therefore, if it means anything it would seem to suggest that the present earnings limit was fixed at about the right place.