§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the retirement pension entitlement of a married woman depends primarily upon her own age or that of her husband; and, if the latter is the case, if he will cease to use the term "pensionable age" which implies that all married women are automatically entitled to the benefit when they reach the age of 60 years.
§ Mr. OrmeA married woman who satisfies the contribution conditions for a retirement pension on her own contributions is entitled to a retirement pension at age 60, subject to her retirement from regular employment, irrespective of her husband's age. A married woman who fails to satisfy these conditions may have an alternative title to a pension on her husband's contributions, but that title does not arise until he has become a pensioner and provided she has reached the age of 60 and has retired. "Pensionable age" is defined in Section 27(1) of244W the Social Security Act 1975 as meaning in the case of a man the age of 65, and in the case of a woman the age of 60.