§ Mr. Marksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what changes in the earnings limit for retirement pensioners have taken place since 1961; and if he will now raise the present limit.
§ Mr. Ennals:The level at which the earnings rule begins to operate was raised from £3 10s. to £4 5s. from 27th May, 1963, to £5 from 30th March, 1964, to £6 10s. from 5th June, 1967, and to£7 10s. from 3rd November, 1969. In addition, in 1967 the band over which deductions are limited to 6d. for each 1s. of earnings was extended from the first £1 to the first £2 of earnings affected by the rule. The answer to the second part of the Question is "No".