§ 59. Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what would be the annual cost, over the next three years, of extending the payment of retirement pensions to old people who were not allowed, under the 1948 Act, to qualify for such pensions; and whether she will include a provision for this in the forthcoming legislation.
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§ Miss HerbisonOver a three-year period from next April, it would cost about £130 million to pay retirement pensions to those who were too old to become insured when the present National Insurance Scheme was introduced in 1948; and there might be a consequent saving of the order of £50 million on payments from the National Assistance Board. These figures are based on the new pension rates and national assistance scales now before Parliament. The answer to the last part of the Question is: No, Sir.
§ 62. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will amend the basis on which increments are paid to retirement pensioners so that any contribution exceeding a figure divisible by 12 either entitles the pensioner to a further increment or is refunded.
§ Miss HerbisonNo. I do not think it would be justifiable under the present arrangements either to provide extra benefit in this way at the expense of other contributors or to refund contributions which are properly payable.