§ 87. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what examination she is making of the feasibility of linking the retirement pension to the annual increase in average earnings and to the special cost-of-living index related to the spending habits of old people.
§ Miss HerbisonStudy of the future of the retirement pension provisions is proceeding as part of the Government's general review of the social security schemes.
§ 92. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if she is aware of the plight of a number of aged men and women who are excluded from benefit under the existing National Insurance scheme; how many of these were too old to enter the scheme when it was introduced in 1948, and how many who could have done so decided to opt out of it; and if, in view of the hardship that many of them are suffering, she will seek to expedite that part of her reform of the social security services which will provide a guaranteed minimum income for all in need.
§ Miss HerbisonThe number of people now alive who are without National Insurance pensions and who were over minimum pensionable age on 5th July, 1948, is estimated to be about 250,000. Some 80,000 people who were within 10 years of reaching minimum pensionable age at that date chose subsequently on reaching pensionable age to take a refund of contributions in lieu of their right to pension; it is not known how many of them are still alive. As regards the general point, I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies which I gave on 22nd March.