§ Mr. T. Smithasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can state the amount, qualifying age for both men and women, and the conditions attached to the granting of an old age pension in Australia and in New Zealand?
Marquess of HartingtonIn Australia non-contributory old age pensions to an amount not exceeding £52 per annum are payable, in normal cases, to men at the age of 65, and to women at the age of 60. The pension is so graduated that the total income of the pensioner shall not exceed £84 10s. per annum.
In New Zealand non-contributory old age pensions, to an amount not exceeding £58 10s. per annum are payable to men at the age of 65 and to women at the age of 60; in the case of persons having two or more dependent children, to men at 60, and to women at 55. The maximum rate of pension is £58 10s. per 2020W annum in the case of a single person, and is reducible by £1 for every pound of other income over £52 per annum. In both Dominions, the pensions are payable only to residents, after continuous residence of 20 years.
The above gives only a general outline of the schemes, but I shall be glad to obtain for the hon. Member any further details of the relevant legislation which he may desire.