§ 45. Sir W. Anstruther-Grayasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (1) whether she is prepared to pay Professor Adam Murray the £140 in respect of retirement pension since 3rd October, 1963, which he has not received despite the fact that he has paid full contributions during his lifetime;
(2) whether she will consider extending the time limit for claims to retirement pensions on the grounds that such pensions, having been paid for, are a right and that there is a gain to the Exchequer when a claim is delayed.
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§ Miss HerbisonAs the right hon. Gentleman will be aware, the National Insurance Commissioner decided last May that Professor Murray was disqualified for receiving retirement pension between October, 1963 and February, 1964 amounting to the sum of £140 referred to in the Question. The Commissioner's decision is final. As regards the wider issue, time limits for claims to National Insurance benefits, including pensions, are necessary. These limits have been considered from time to time in the past, but my mind is not closed to the possibility of further review.