§ 40. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Social Security what decision she has now reached on raising the earnings limit for National Insurance retirement pensioners.
§ Miss HerbisonI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend, the Member for Blaydon (Mr. Woof) on 14th November.—[Vol. 736, c. 5.]
§ Mr. GowerDoes not the Minister recognise that successive Labour Budgets have reduced the financial ability of many companies to provide this employment while S.E.T. imposes a penalty upon companies which do? Since it may be difficult for elderly persons to find this employment, will she not give them a reward for their assiduity?
§ Miss HerbisonThe supplementary question that has been put has nothing whatever to do with the earnings rule. The rule and all its implications are being examined. We hope to have a report before very long and the Government will decide what action to take upon it.