HC Deb 02 July 1951 vol 489 cc185-6W
Mr. de Chair

asked the Minister of National Insurance if, in view of the need to encourage elderly persons to remain at work, she will amend the existing arrangements under which persons over pensionable age who continue to work, can only draw sickness benefit if, in addition to satisfying the usual conditions for receipt of that benefit, they would also be entitled to a retirement pension if they did retire.

Dr. Summerskill

To provide sickness benefit for people over pensionable age who have not been insured long enough to acquire a right to a retirement pension it would be necessary to amend a number of provisions of the 1946 Act specifically directed to the position of these late entrants into insurance. I have no reason to think these provisions, which include excusal from contributions while working, are having the effect suggested.