HC Deb 17 February 1959 vol 600 c27W
76. Mr. Gibson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the estimated cost of reducing to 55 years the age at which post-war credits shall be paid; and what proposals he has for completely repaying post-war credits.

Mr. Amory

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind a reduction of 10 years in the qualifying ages for both sexes, that is, to 55 for men and 50 for women. The cost of such a reduction would be £176 million. On the second part of the Question, the hon. Member will not expect me to make any statement at present.

Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether, as the cost would be less than £500,000, he will consider, in his forthcoming Budget, repaying post-war credits to all the registered blind people;

(2) whether, as the cost would be negligible, he will consider, in his forthcoming Budget, making the repayment of post-war credits to all disabled ex-Service men now in receipt of a Ministry of Pensions disability pension.

Mr. Amory

I have noted the hon. Member's proposals, but he will not expect me to make any statement at present.