§ Q28. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Prime Minister whether, in the Government's consideration of the possibility of earlier retirement ages, account will be taken of the incidence of poor health in persons aged between 55 and 65 years who wish to retire for that reason.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government believe that giving everyone above a particular age the option to retire early is preferable to trying to identify particularly deserving categories. There are of course already provisions in occupational schemes for those who have to give up work early because of ill health, while sickness and invalidity benefit are available to those opting for the State scheme, subject of course to their contribution record.