§ 3. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Minister of Social Security if, in order to achieve greater equality between men and women, she will take steps to reduce the pensionable age for men to 60 years.
§ Miss HerbisonThe question of pension age is only one of a number of issues which have necessarily to be examined in the course of the major review of the National Insurance schemes.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that equality between men and women is a two-way process and that it is high time this anomaly was 17 removed? A man aged 60 has to wait five more years for his pension, although his expectation of life at that age is considerably shorter than that of a woman of the same age?
§ Miss HerbisonI agree with much that my hon. Friend has said. From today I shall be beginning to earn increments on my own pension, whereas my colleagues will have to wait for another five years. But before changing one of the basic qualifying conditions for pensions we have to take into account the many complex issues that would arise, and also the far-reaching consequences in the financial, economic and social spheres.
Mr. RisdaleCan the right hon. Lady say what the cost would be of reducing the pensionable age for men to 60?
§ Miss HerbisonIf the hon. Gentleman cares to put down a Question, I shall be glad to answer it.