HC Deb 12 July 1965 vol 716 cc26-8
33. Mr. Neave

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance why Mrs. Mary A. Walters, aged 71 years, who was unable to complete her National Insurance contributions owing to being a prisoner for nine years in a Soviet labour camp, has been refused a retirement pension; and whether she will make a statement.

Miss Herbison

My information is that no claim for retirement pension has been made in this case, but I am afraid one could not succeed because Mrs. Walters, who had never previously been insured here, was already over pension age when she returned in 1956. The question whether she might be assisted in some other way does not arise at present as I understand she is still in employment.

Mr. Neave

Is the Minister aware that this lady was arrested in 1945 and released only in 1956, that if she had not been arrested in 1945 she could have paid contributions and so qualified and that she has been paying contributions since 1956? Should not the right hon. Lady look at this matter again? Is it not bureaucratic nonsense that this lady is not allowed a retirement pension?

Miss Herbison

No, it is not a case of bureaucratic nonsense. This lady has not been paying the full contributions since 1956 since, when she returned to this country, she was over the age when she could. Like every other worker, she has been paying that small contribution which covers industrial injuries. Even if the Bill which the hon. Member introduced had been successful, it would not have covered the case of Mrs. Walters. She would have been among those elderly people who would not have been covered by it. I hope that by the time Mrs. Walters retires there will be provision for her.

Dame Irene Ward

In view of the unsatisfactory reply, may I ask the right hon. Lady whether—[HON MEMBERS: "Speak up."] Do be quiet for once. In view of this very unfortunate case, which does not seem to interest hon. Members opposite, will the Minister remember that most hon. Members consider it a debt that we should pay to ensure that people of this kind are not under any disadvantage in the National Insurance scheme?

Miss Herbison

I am extremely concerned about cases such as that of Mrs. Walters. As I say, I hope that when she retires there will be provision for her. However, it is strange that this matter has been brought to the Floor of the House only at this stage when this lady could have been having her retirement pension if the hon. Lady's hon. Friends believed in her case before this time.

Mr. Neave

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.