§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations he has received regarding the shortfall in retirement pension uprating in November 1978 since the relevant earnings figures became available, showing up the shortfall; and what reply he has given.
§ Mr. OrmeSince the earnings figures for November 1978 became available, my right hon. Friend and I have received some 20 representations concerning the pensions uprating in November 1978. We have replied in terms similar to those in which I replied to my hon. Friend's question on 17 January.—[Vol. 960, c.777–5.]
§ Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people of pensionable age do not receive a State pension because they have not contributed to the national insurance scheme.
§ Mr. OrmeIt is estimated that there are about 800,000 people over pension age
52Won 31 December 1978 was as follows:
in this country who are not receiving a national insurance retirement pension. The majority of these are married women who will receive a retirement pension, based on their husbands' national insurance contributions, when their husbands retire. The number of people who have not contributed to the national insurance scheme is not available.
§ Mr. Joplingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services at what unified age the present level of retirement pensions for men and women would be payable without altering the cost.
§ Mr. Orme, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 12 February 1979; Vol. 962, c. 401], gave the following information:
On the assumption that the pattern of retirement in the five years after the new pension age would be the same as it is now in the five years after the present pension ages, it is estimated that a common pension age of 64¼for both men and women would involve no additional cost to central Government funds, with present pension levels.