§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if, due to the change in the value of money, he will give consideration to allowing old-age pensioners to earn up to £130 a year, whether at the rate of 50s. a week or in larger amounts, over a shorter period in seasonal or other occupations, before the amount of the pension is affected.
§ Miss PittThe amount which retirement pensioners can earn without affecting their pensions was increased from 50s. to 60s. a week as from 20th April. The suggestion that pensioner's earnings should be averaged over a longer period than a week for the purpose of the earnings rule has been examined on a number of occasions but has not been found to be practicable. It was fully considered by the National Insurance Advisory Committee in its report on the earnings limits in 1956 of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.