HC Deb 28 November 1966 vol 737 cc26-7
42. Mr. John Hynd

asked the Minister of Social Security whether Her Majesty's Government will introduce early legislation to provide for advancement of retirement pensions to workers over 50 years of age, now rendered redundant and unable to find suitable alternative employment on account of their age as a result of the Government's re-deployment policy.

Miss Herbison

I do not think that it would be right to introduce an earlier pension age in the circumstances which my hon. Friend has in mind.

Mr. Hynd

While recognising what has already been done for redundant workers through redundancy payments, redeployment and training schemes, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend is aware that many of these men are not susceptible to training for other jobs? Does the Minister appreciate that many are semi-casual workers not benefiting from the redundancy payments, and will she have another look at this to see that those suffering from the Government's policies have compensation, as do other workers?

Miss Herbison

I realise the difficulties, but I still think that it would be very wrong to say that any worker ought to have a pension at 50, because it would mean that one was throwing him on the scrapheap and saying that the country had no further need of him. I would be completely opposed to that. On the other hand, I should like to see more training facilities, and employers being urged to give the opportunities of work to these men.

Sir C. Osborne

While expressing every sympathy for workers over 50 who find it difficult to get other jobs, may I ask the Minister to make it clear to both sides of the House that greater pensions cannot be paid unless industrial productivity increases and real national income increases?

Miss Herbison

There are two matters to be taken into account when thinking of increases in social benefits. One is what one will be able to do from greater productivity and the other is what one can do from redistribution of income. Both of these matters are being taken into account by the Government.