§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the estimated increase in the number and value of pensions payable in 1976–77 if the age at which the earnings rule and retirement condition of age and (b) 69 instead of 70 years of age.
§ Mr. OrmeIt is estimated that, under (a), there would be an increase of about 16,000 male pensioners, of whom about 12,000 would be married, and that the increase in the annual value of pension:: payable would be about £19 million at the benefit rates proposed for November 1976. The corresponding figures under (b) are estimated to be 7,000, 5,000 and £8 million respectively.