HC Deb 20 November 1958 vol 595 cc1300-1
12. Miss Burton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of growing concern at the continued discrimination between men and women on official financial questions; and if he will make a statement concerning Government policy on this matter.

Mr. Simon

No, Sir. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

Miss Burton

Is the Financial Secretary aware that, if he had not transferred my Question to the Minister of Housing and Local Government last week, when it was bottom but one in the list, he would have been able to give a much better Answer? Is he aware that building societies will not lend as much money to women as to men when they apply for a mortgage, and that the question of security is dominated completely by sex? Why, in matters of official financial policy, will the Treasury Ministers not be prepared to look at this matter themselves instead of having it transferred?

Mr. Simon

I am very reluctant to be caught up in a skirmish of the sex war. The subject of building societies is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government. When it is a question of distinction—I will not say discrimination—between men and women on official financial matters, I am sure that the hon. Lady will bear in mind that retirement pensions are payable to women at an age five years below that of men, and the same thing applies to post-war credits. Also, women's National Insurance contributions are lower.

Miss Burton

But I am not referring to pensions. I am dealing with building societies. I warn the Financial Secretary that we shall go on until we get some satisfaction here.