§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in his proposals regarding old age pensions for persons between the ages of 65 to 70 years, he will include crofters in Scotland in that age group, keeping in view the denuding of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland of the younger members of their population and the consequent increase in the hardships and distress to which the crofters are exposed; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe new Pensions Bill provides for the lowering of the age at which insured women and the wives of insured men who have attained 65 may become entitled to old age pensions and for supplementary pensions in cases of need to old age pensioners over the age of 65 and widow pensioners over the age of 60. Crofters between the ages of 65 and 70 who have the necessary insurance qualifications, and their wives, will benefit under the new provisions, but the ages at which men as a class may qualify for pensions under the Contributory Pensions and Old Age Pensions Acts will remain unaffected.