HC Deb 12 July 1965 vol 716 cc20-1
20. Mr. Dean

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what rôle she contemplates for occupational pension schemes in a reformed National Insurance scheme.

Miss Herbison

I must ask the hon. Gentleman to await the outcome of the Government's review of the National Insurance scheme.

Mr. Dean

Would the right hon. Lady agree that occupational pension schemes have an essential part to play in a future system of social security? Will she at least give the assurance that in working out these new plans no obstacles will be put in the way of the continued development of these schemes?

Miss Herbison

Certainly. It has been made perfectly clear that the Labour Government believe that there will be a place in future for occupational schemes which ensure a number of things for the workers in them. We have every intention of encouraging them.

Mr. Ridsdale

Will the right hon. Lady say when the review is to be completed? We have had many answers saying "as soon as possible". Does "as soon as possible" mean before the General Election, or before Christmas?

Miss Herbison

I advise the hon. Gentleman to wait. I have here a copy of the Labour Party manifesto. We have already honoured many of the pledges in the past on social security and I have no doubt that the others will be honoured at the earliest possible moment.

Mrs. Thatcher

Will the right hon. Lady refer to the part of that manifesto which deals with the income guarantee and which says: We stress again that with the exception of the early introduction of the income guarantee"—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Verbatim quotation, even from so august a document, is out of order at Question Time.