HC Deb 04 December 1967 vol 755 cc929-30
17. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Minister of Social Security when she proposes to hold a comprehensive review of current bene fits, in view of the existing anomalies; and if she will make a statement.

23. Mr. Will Owen

asked the Minister of Social Security when she will submit to the House her proposals for a new social security scheme; and whether she will make a statement.

Mrs. Hart

The Government's further proposals will be brought before the House as soon as possible. A great deal of complex work is now in mid-stream.

Mr. Dempsey

Will my right hon. Friend confirm whether one of the proposals will be a provision to end the present graduated pension scheme which before the last election we all described as a swindle? Is she aware that trade unionists and other workpeople are getting restless about the delay and would like a definite date when the report will be introduced to the House?

Mrs. Hart

I can affirm what has been said from this bench a number of times—that the new wage-related pension scheme will end completely the existing graduated scheme. As for my hon. Friend's anxieties about having a definite date, I am sorry that I cannot oblige him with an answer. Things are working quite fast, but at this stage it is not possible to give a date.

Mr. Farr

Will the Minister say exactly what effect the conditions which have been attached to our recent international loan are likely to have on these proposals?

Mrs. Hart

I do not expect any conditions, such as there may be—and I would dispute the hon. Member's possible interpretation of them—to have any effect. I do not expect any international repercussions to have any effect on our wage-related pension scheme.