94. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Minister of National Insurance if the increase in old age pensions for women of 65 and men of 70 years of age will be applicable to those old age pensioners who are housed in council institutions.
Mr. B. TaylorRetirement pensions payable to pensioners in local authority140W institutions will be increased in the same way as those payable to pensioners living at home. I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that the minimum amount to be charged for accommodation in such institutions is determined by the local authority in accordance with Regulations made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.
§ 91. Mr. Hollisasked the Minister of National Insurance whether his regulations provide for a retired old age pensioner who returns to work at any future time after the next six months to receive the appropriate addition to his pension.
Mr. B. TaylorNo. The power of making Regulations on this matter conferred by the National Insurance Act, 1951, is strictly limited and such Regulations can only deal with pensioners who were retired on 16th July when this part of the Act came into force and who return to work within six months from that date.
§ 93. Mr. Vaughan-Morganasked the Minister of National Insurance what is the maximum number of hours which may be worked by a retirement pensioner without forfeiting any portion of his pension.
Mr. B. TaylorThe weekly pension of a retirement pensioner is reduced only for earnings of more than£2 in the previous pension week. The number of hours worked is immaterial.