§ There has been concern that some retired people with substantial occupational pensions claim unemployment benefit and contribution credits although they really have left the active employment field. But I know that the pensioners themselves have strong feelings about their liability to pay contributions when unemployed and not entitled to credits.
§ I propose three measures for occupational pensioners over 60. First those with pensions of £30 a week or more will not get unemployment benefit or credits unless they first satisfy a test of further work. Second, benefit will be reduced on a sliding scale if the pension is more than £18 a week. Third, everyone over 60 will be able to decide voluntarily whether or not to continue to contribute towards obtaining the full standard retirement pension. Some 5,000 to 6,000 people will be affected by the restrictions, but the contribution concession will go wider.