§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance why the full rate of sickness benefit is not payable to men between 65 and 70 and women between 60 and 65 who are in full-time employment and have paid the necessary National Insurance contributions.
§ Miss HerbisonUnder Section 26 of the National Insurance Act, the rate of sickness and unemployment benefit for people between 65 and 70 (60 and 65 for women) is that of the pension to which they would have been entitled if they had retired at pension age. Without this there would be an inducement for people who to all intents and purposes have retired to take advantage of the easier contribution conditions for sickness benefit and draw benefit at a higher rate than the pension to which their contribution record entitles them. People with good contribution records throughout their working lives who would be entitled to full retirement pension are not affected by the provision.