HC Deb 24 November 1970 vol 807 c206
2. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will seek powers to provide tax reliefs for retirement pensioners who take up employment.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

I have noted the hon. Member's suggestion, but I do not think that it would be right to give special tax relief to retirement pensioners who are able to work.

Mr. Janner

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is extremely important that elderly people should be encouraged to be active and useful? Would he not agree that the present level of taxation on them when they work is a positive disincentive to their working? Will he not think again about giving them special consideration?

Mr. Jenkin

We have the whole question of tax allowances for the elderly within the purview of our review, but I must point out that age exemption for elderly people already represents a significant advantage which is not available to younger people.

Mr. Ridsdale

If it is intended to give priority to pensioners, can that priority be given to those who are not able to work rather than to those who can work, particularly having in mind the difficulties those over 70 are facing at the present time?

Mr. Jenkin

My hon. Friend has made, if I may say so, a valid point.