HC Deb 17 December 1946 vol 431 cc348-50W
97. Mr. G. Wallace

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that numbers of old age pensioners in the Swanscombe and Greenhithe district of Kent have not yet received their increased old age pension; that a number of newly-qualified pensioners are involved and that these people are still awaiting acknowledgements of their applications; and what action he is taking.

Mr. J. Griffiths

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies which I gave to him and other hon. Members and to the hon. Member for Derby, Southern (Mr. Champion), on this subject generally on 19th November, of which I am sending him copies. If my hon. Friend will send me the details of any particular cases he may have in mind, I will have inquiries made.

98. Mr. Prescott

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether women who are special voluntary contributors under the 1937 scheme are now entitled to an old age pension on attaining the age of 60 years; and of what amount and by virtue of what regulation.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Under the law as it now stands the pension age for women in this class is 65. This age limit, however, has no immediate effect because none of the persons concerned can complete the qualifying ten years insurance required by the scheme before 1948. With the introduction of the new scheme of National Insurance in 1948, their position in relation to retirement pensions will be assimilated, as far as practicable, to that of other insured women.

102 and 103. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of National Insurance (1) if he is aware that residents in Jersey who are in receipt of British old age pensions have not received the increase from 10s. to 26s. although they have paid contributions for many years and why this discrimination against Jersey residents is maintained;

(2) why increased pensions are available to overseas contributors who qualified after 29th September, 1946, but not to those who qualified before that date; and if he will take steps to amend his regulations in this respect.

Mr. J. Griffiths

In the case of persons who were in receipt of contributory pensions on 29th September, 1946, the whole cost of the increase of pension falls ultimately on the British taxpayer, and it was, therefore, not thought reasonable that this cost should be incurred in respect of pensioners who at that date had gone to live abroad unless and until they again become resident in this country.