HC Deb 07 July 1969 vol 786 cc169-70W
94. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many men between 65–70 years of age and women between 60–65 years of age, who are continuing to work, are having their State retirement pensions reduced under the earnings rule applied to such retirement pensioners.

Mr. Ennals

At the last inquiry, in June, 1968, there were about 12,500 men and about 3,500 women who, having retired, had taken work and were having their pensions reduced.

95. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated cost in 1969–70 to the National Insurance Fund of abolishing the Earnings Rule applied to men aged 65–70 years of age and women 60–65 years who continue in work.

Mr. Ennals

As explained in Appendix I of the Government's White Paper on National Superannuation and Social Insurance (Cmnd. 3883) if the earnings rule is abolished then the retirement condition, which the earnings rule supports also falls. This would increase the scheme's expenditure by £115 million a year initially at present rates of benefit and by £130 million a year at the proposed November, 1969, rates of benefit.

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