7. Mr. Shawcrossasked the Minister of National Insurance whether he is aware that old age pensioners between the ages of 65 and 70 years, 60 and 65 years in the case of women, now unemployed as a result of the coal crisis, receive no unemployment benefit and are only entitled to pension at the rate of 10s. per week, whereas those over 70 receive pension at the full new rate; and if he will take steps to ensure that these pensioners receive either unemployment benefit or pension at the full rate.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe existing unemployment insurance scheme makes no provision for the insurance of men over 65 or women over 60, and it is not practicable to make any change in this position pending the full operation of the National Insurance Act. In the meantime, however, any pensioner within the age groups specified who has not retired and is receiving the basic pension of 10s. a week is entitled, if in need by reason of unemployment, to apply to the Assistance Board to have that pension supplemented in accordance with the Board's scale.