§ Mr. Urwinasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the total cost of reducing the retiring age for industrial workers from 65 years to 60 years; and what would be the cost if such reduction were to be spread over a five-year period.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinI regret that the information sought is not available. I would, however, draw attention to the estimate provided by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services in an answer to the hon. Member for Oldham, East (Mr. Lamond) on 25th October in respect of the cost of reducing the national insurance pensionable age for males to 60 years. If the reduction then in question was spread over a five-year period the cost would increase from about £150 million in the first year to about £750 million in the fifth year.—[Vol. 823, c. 273.]