HC Deb 09 February 1954 vol 523 cc102-3W
69. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many men and women separately were in receipt of pensions in 1933; how many there are at the last known date; how many it is estimated there will be in 1973; what proportion they bear to the total population; and, in view of the probable increase, whether he will arrange for an official inquiry to be made as to any change that may be necessary in work, pensions, taxation or other directions to deal with the changing situation.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Comprehensive figures of pensions payable under national, public service and private pension schemes are not available. The Government have appointed an independent committee, under the Chairmanship of Sir Thomas Phillips, to consider the economic and financial problems involved in providing for old age and the National Advisory Committee on the Employment of Older Workers has been set up to advise and assist my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service in promoting the employment of older men and women.

The question of pension taxation falls within the terms of reference of the Committee on Taxation Treatment of Provision for Retirement, whose report is expected shortly.