HC Deb 08 November 1954 vol 532 cc101-2W
69. Mr. McKay

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the basic date of comparison between benefits and cost of living which he intends to use when considering raising old-age pensions and other benefits in accordance with the rise in the cost of living.

Mr. Peake

I would ask the hon. Member to await the review which I am required to make under Section 40 of the National Insurance Act, 1946.

71. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, in view of the discussions which have taken place on raising the age of retirement, if he will give an assurance that when retirement pensions are increased they will be payable to men who retire at the age of 65 years and women who retire at 60 years of age.

Mr. Peake

I think we shall all be wise to see what the Phillips Committee has to say on this subject before coming to any conclusions about it.

76. Captain Duncan

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will take steps to revise the earnings rule for retirement pensioners so that the amount allowed to be earned can be reckoned annually instead of weekly.

Mr. Peake

No. Averaging earnings in this way has always been regarded as impracticable.