§ 11. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Minister of Social Security how many recipients of social security payments obtained a weekly increase of 9s. 6d. and not 10s. as from 30th October, 1967, due to some past failure in their contribution record; what was the saving involved; and what plans she has for providing non-contributory social security payments.
§ Mr. PentlandI regret that the information requested in the first two parts of the Question is not available. As my hon. Friend knows, anyone whose income from National Insurance benefits and other sources is not enough for his requirements as laid down in the Ministry of Social Security Act may claim a supplementary pension or allowance.
§ Mr. RobertsWould my hon. Friend not agree, however, that this reduction of 6d. a week in the increases is a simple example of red tape gone mad? What investigations are being carried out into the possibilities and the practicabilities of non-contributory systems?
§ Mr. PentlandWe are considering many aspects in our present comprehensive review, and have been for some time. However, my hon. Friend must be aware that, in a contributory scheme, the award of benefit must be subject to the satisfaction of the relevant contribution conditions.