HC Deb 27 July 1976 vol 916 cc213-4W
47. Mr. Cope

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the earnings rule for pensioners.

Mr. Orme

As announced in the White Paper on Public Expenditure to 1979–80 (Cmnd 6393), the Government propose to amend the Social Security Act 1975 to provide that future increases in the retirement pensions earnings limit, which is £35 a week at present, should be in line with the movement of earnings.

55. Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will phase out the earnings rule.

Mr. Orme

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeet) earlier today.