§ 8. Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what is the estimated cost per annum of abolishing the earnings rule on widows and old age pensioners, respectively; if he will give such a policy high priority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WoodIn the immediate future it would cost £6½ million and £107 million, which would make substantial increases in contributions necessary; and the money would mainly be used to supplement normal earnings from full-time work. I am sure that this would not be the right thing to do.