HC Deb 19 February 1951 vol 484 cc146-7W
Mr. Fort

asked the Minister of National Insurance how many persons of pensionable age are not drawing retirement pensions because they are in regular employment; and what proportion they represent of those qualified.

Dr. Summerskill

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to insured men between the ages of 65 and 70 and insured women between the ages of 60 and 65 who have deferred their claims to retirement pension because they are in regular employment. Exact information is not available because such persons are under no obligation to inform my Department of their position. It is estimated, however, that of all insured persons now reaching pensionable age 60 per cent. of men and 45 per cent. of women are continuing in employment beyond that age. Taking the whole group of insured men between ages 65 and 70, at the present time approximately three out of seven have not yet claimed retirement pension. The corresponding proportion of insured women between ages 65 and 65 is two out of seven.

Mr. Robson-Brown

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what would be the annual cost of increasing old age pensions by an amount sufficient to cover the increased cost of living, since the last change in old age pensions rates was made;

(2) what would be the annual cost to increase old age pensions from 26s. to 30s. per week.

Dr. Summerskill

I have been asked to reply. The immediate cost of putting up pensions to 30s. with a proportionate increase in the rate for dependent wives would be about £43 million a year, rising rapidly in future years with the number of pensioners.

Mr. Fort

asked the Minister of National Insurance to state the cost now, and in 20 years' time, of allowing persons who have attained pensionable age and paid the required number of contributions to draw pensions irrespective of retirement from regular employment.

Dr. Summerskill

The hon. Member's proposal seems to involve fundamental changes in the principles on which the scheme is based. I am advised that it is not possible to give any estimates of the cost without knowing what consequential alterations he would propose in other parts of the scheme. I am therefore writing to him.