§ 29. Mr. Sydney Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement about further easement of the earnings rule for pensioners, in view of the fact that the limit was last raised in 1971.
§ Mr. DeanMy hon. Friend will be aware that the earnings rule has never been changed at regular intervals. Its starting point was substantially eased in 1971 and a change in the proportionate band was made in 1972. We do not contemplate a further alteration at present.