§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the total cost to the National Insurance Fund of abolishing the earnings rule for pensioners.
§ Mr. OrmeAs compared with the Government's proposals for an earnings limit set at £35 a week, but linked to the movement of earnings, the cost to the National Insurance Fund of abolishing the earnings rule is estimated at £210 million in 1977–78. There would, however, be an increase in tax revenue, and some saving in the Exchequer supplement to the fund, together amounting to £60 million, so that the net cost estimate for 1977–78 is one of £150 million.