Old-Age Pensioners

HC Deb 17 February 1958 vol 582 cc104-5W

25. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will introduce the necessary legislation to enable old-age pensioners to recover from his Department the rent increases paid since October last, together with those increases due in April next.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No.

26. Mrs. McLaughlin

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will state the number of pensioners who have taken advantage of the de-retirement provisions of the National Insurance Act, 1957.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Since 5th August, 1957, when the new provisions came into force 1,359 people have chosen to give up their retirement pensions and resume paying contributions in order to earn bigger pensions for themselves and, in some cases for their wives. In addition 448 widow beneficiaries have been enabled to postpone retirement at age 60 and to earn bigger pensions.