§ Mr. Neaveasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (1) how many old people still survive who were excluded from the National Insurance Scheme in 1948 and receive no form of State pension; what is their average age at the present date; and whether she will make a statement on the future policy of Her Majesty's Government towards them;
(2) what would be the estimated annual cost to the National Insurance Fund, and saving on National Assistance, of paying a full retirement or widow's pension to those surviving old people who were excluded from the National Insurance Scheme in 1948.
§ Mr. PentlandThe number of men and women who were too old to enter insurance in 1948 and who are not receiving any pension from my Department is at present estimated at about 225,000, this figure includes a number who are receiving non-contributory old-age pensions. Their average age is thought to be about 84. The annual cost to the National Insurance Fund of paying them full pensions would be about £45 million immediately, with a saving of £17 million in payments by the National Assistance Board, but I must emphasise that it would not be possible to deal with this class of non-pensioner in isolation. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on the general issue to the hon. Members for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Mr. David Steel) and for Barry (Mr. Gower) on 22nd November.