HC Deb 13 November 1967 vol 754 cc28-9W
91. Mr. Brooks

asked the Minister of Social Security whether, in view of the growing proportion of elderly, but often still active and healthy, men and women in the total population, she will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to examine the implications of abandoning the statutory retirement principle.

Mrs. Hart

No. This question is being considered along with all other relevant matters in the Government's major review of the National Insurance schemes.

Mr. Thorpe

asked the Minister of Social Security whether she will alter the regulations, whereby a contributor who has fallen short of the requisite number of stamps prior to retirement, has his retirement pension permanently reduced; and whether, under her regulations, such pension may be paid in full provided the contributor has paid up three times the value of any sums which may be in arrears.

Mrs. Hart

The Answer to both parts of the Question is, "No" Ours is a contributory system and the rate of retirement pension depends on the yearly average of contributions paid. People with contribution deficiencies qualify for a pension for life payable at an appropriately reduced rate. Generous time limits are prescribed in regulations within which arrears of contributions may be paid.

But I am considering this question in preparing the new wage-related scheme, and in reviewing existing provisions.