§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether sickness benefit can be paid to a man of over 65 years who still wishes to be considered for employment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeA person over minimum pension age who has not retired from regular employment may qualify for sickness benefit if he is incapable of work and would have been entitled to retirement pension had he retired. Where there is entitlement to sickness benefit it is paid at the claimant's basic retirement pension rate and the claim is subject to374W control procedures. On reaching age 70–65 for a women—a person is deemed to be retired for national insurance purposes and then becomes entitled to retirement pension.