§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Social Services for what reasons the Government propose that the age group just under 45 years should receive the flat-rate State pension, plus 25 per cent. earnings-related pension on those earnings in excess of the base level, plus graduated pension accrued since 1961.
§ Mr. Alec JonesThe new pension scheme is designed to bring to an end the present massive dependence of pensioners on means-tested supplementary benefit. In order to achieve that objective within a reasonable time the Government propose that entitlement to the new earnings-related pensions should build up over 20 years rather than over full working life.