§ 76. Mr. Gibsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the estimated cost of reducing to 55 years the age at which post-war credits shall be paid; and what proposals he has for completely repaying post-war credits.
Mr. AmoryI assume that the hon. Member has in mind a reduction of 10 years in the qualifying ages for both sexes, that is, to 55 for men and 50 for women. The cost of such a reduction would be £176 million. On the second part of the Question, the hon. Member will not expect me to make any statement at present.
§ Mr. A. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether, as the cost would be less than £500,000, he will consider, in his forthcoming Budget, repaying post-war credits to all the registered blind people;
(2) whether, as the cost would be negligible, he will consider, in his forthcoming Budget, making the repayment of post-war credits to all disabled ex-Service men now in receipt of a Ministry of Pensions disability pension.
Mr. AmoryI have noted the hon. Member's proposals, but he will not expect me to make any statement at present.