Old-Age Pensions

HC Deb 01 February 1965 vol 705 cc191-2W

4. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what would be the cost of paying old-age pensions to those who qualify for them on every ground except that they have made inadequate contributions to the National Insurance Fund.

11. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether she will now take steps to grant an old-age pension to those persons of pensionable age who do not at present qualify for a pension; what would be the a annual cost of such a concession; and what consequent saving in National Assistance payments could be expected.

Miss Herbison

It would not be possible to pay pensions at the standard rate to people who have not qualified for them without increasing to the standard rate pensions for which some contributions have been made but which are at reduced rates. The total cost would be about £104 million in 1965–66, with an estimated saving of about £44 million in payments by the National Assistance Board.

5. Mr. Pounder

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what would be the estimated cost of providing all persons between 75 and 80 and over 80 years of age, respectively, with a retirement pension at the current level although such persons are not covered by the National Insurance Acts; and what proposals she has for making such a provision.

Miss Herbison

In 1965–66, at the pension rates then current, the cost would be about £12 million for those aged between 75 and 80, and about £29 million for those over 80, after allowing for the likely saving on payments by the National Assistance Board. As regards the Government's general plans for helping people of retirement age with small incomes, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member for Dorset, South (Mr. Evelyn King) on 8th December.

Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if she will state the estimated net annual cost of providing all persons of 75 years and over not at present covered by the National Insurance Act with a pension at the prevailing rate.

Miss Herbison

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave today to the hon. Member for Belfast, South (Mr. Pounder).