§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the gross and net cost of reducing the pensionable age for men to 60 years(a) at the present pension rates and (b) with a minimum pension, including guaranteed minimum pension from occupational schemes, for both men and women, regardless of marital status and past contributions, of 80 per cent. of average national earnings.
§ Mrs. Gillian Shephard[holding answer 6 December 1989]: I regret that information is not available in the form requested. The latest estimates, based on 1985–86 benefit rates, of the gross and net costs to public funds of reducing state pension age for men to age 60 are £4,200 million and £3,000 million respectively.