§ 44. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware that the hon. Member for Barking has had no substantive reply to a letter from a constituent, forwarded to the Department on 12th September 1968, concerning payment of unemployment benefit to occupational pensioners, and has received interim replies, the first dated 6th November 1968, stating that this matter was to be studied urgently, the second dated 10th March 1969, stating that no decision would be taken for some time; and if he will expedite a decision.
§ Mr. PentlandAs my letter of 10th March to my hon. Friend explained, it would be premature to come to any decision in advance of the report of the National Insurance Advisory Committee on the draft regulations. The Committee is aware of the widespread interest in this matter, on which it has received a great deal of evidence which it is now considering.
§ Mr. DribergComplicated though this matter, no doubt, is, can my hon. Friend say why it has taken the Committee so long to report to his Department? Does he realise that meanwhile a number of these occupational pensioners are waiting with considerable anxiety knowing that they have paid National Insurance contributions all their working lives?
§ Mr. PentlandI am aware of the concern on the matter, but, as my hon. Friend said, it is a complicated and difficult problem. The National Insurance Advisory Committee has had considerable evidence submitted to it, and representations have been made by the trade unions and other bodies. It will report as soon as it possibly can.