§ Mr. G. HALLasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the continuance of the large number of unemployed persons and of the fact that there are a large number of persons employed in industry who are over 60 years of age, he will 228W consider the desirability of appointing a committee to inquire into the possibility of a pension scheme for all workers over 60 years of age, so that they may be taken out of the labour market?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe cost of pensions for all workers over 60 years of age at such rates as would induce them to give up their employment would be serious. Taking a rate of 30s. a week, pensions for all would cost £350,000,000 a year, rising to nearly £600,000,000 a year in 1960. I can see no advantage in appointing a committee to consider the possibility of any such scheme. In this connection I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Member for the Bedwellty Division (Mr. C. Edwards) on the 15th June and 21st July last.