§ 45. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has considered the case submitted to him by the hon. Member for South Bedfordshire concerning a pension reduced by 6d., due to the introduction of reduced bus fares in Luton; and if he will take steps to prevent pension reductions of this type.
§ Mr. PentlandThe reduction of retirement pension starts when earnings reach a level which is not wholly compatible with retirement, and in assessing earnings the independent statutory authorities which determine these questions can only take into account actual expenses. This pensioner and his wife are no worse off 928 and can still gain from the concessionary fares other than when travelling to and from work. The income from pension and earnings of a retired married couple can amount to £13 16s. before the pension is affected, a figure which will rise to £15 12s. in November.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes my hon. Friend not appreciate that this type of absurdity creates an unnecessary Scrooge-like impression of social security? Would he and the Government agree that there is here, perhaps, a case for some rigid minima and more flexible maxima in the payment of social security benefits?
§ Mr. PentlandNo, Sir. As I said, the statutory authorities can take into account only the actual expenses involved. My hon. Friend will know that the new arrangements in the Bill now before Parliament will raise the level of earnings at which the rule begins to operate from £6 10s. to £7 10s. The pensioner who is the subject of this Question will then be outside the scope of the rule.