§ 22. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Social Services having regard to discontent among pensioners, continuous inflation especially affecting food and fuel, and levels of unemployment, whether he will raise to £15 per week the maximum under the earnings rule which a pensioner may earn, and £30 per week for man and wife, before retirement pensions are mulcted; and what other plans he has from 1st January, 1972, for bringing up to date the earnings rule.
§ Mr. DeanThe earnings rule limits were raised substantially last September. Further changes are not contemplated at the moment.
§ Sir G. NabarroHave not prices and wages overtaken this level of £9.50 of today and would it not be more realistic to allow these people to earn £15 a week from 1st January, as this would have a proper relationship to the correct level of wages and prices? Have we to wait another 12 months before it can be adjusted?
§ Mr. DeanNo, Sir. Neither earnings nor prices have overtaken the figure. The increase was no less than £2. In addition, the maximum permitted earnings of a wife of a retirement pensioner, being herself under the age of 60, are now £9.50, in comparison with only £3.20 before September. These are substantial improvements.