§ 6. Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much has been spent in each of the last five years on repair and maintenance, and painting and redecoration, respectively, on each wing of the West Hertfordshire Hospital, Hemel Hempstead; and what are the comparable figures for St. Albans City Hospital.
§ 23. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further study he has made of the need to provide flexible pension ages with equality between men and women; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. OrmeWe have considered a number of proposals, including several put to us by pensions organisations and others. But no scheme has been suggested without, on the one hand, inordinate expense or, on the other, payment of inadequate pensions to early retirers. Payment of inadequate pensions would lead to increased dependence on supplementary benefit which would run counter to our aim of lifting pensioners off supplementary benefit.