HC Deb 08 November 1976 vol 919 cc63-4W
Mrs. Chalker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in how many cases, in the last year for which figures are available, has that part of the retirement pension paid in respect of a wife been partly or totally reduced because of the earnings rule.

Mr. Orme

The information is not available in the form requested. However, in the week beginning 26th July 1976, the latest date for which a figure is available, the increase of a retirement pension for an adult dependant was reduced or extinguished because of the dependant's earnings in just over 650 cases.

Information is not available about the number of cases in which the increase was not claimed because of the dependant's earnings.

Mrs. Chalker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in how many cases, in the last year for which figures are available, has that part of the invalidity pension paid in respect of a wife been reduced or extinguished because of the earnings rule.

Mr. Orme

The information is not available in precisely the form requested, but on 31st May 1975 the latest date for which information is available there were 2,000 cases where an increase of invalidity pension in respect of an adult dependant was in payment at a reduced rate because of the operation of the earnings rule. No information is available about the number of cases where payment of the increase was prevented altogether; these would include cases where the increase was claimed but extinguished and cases where it was not claimed at all.

Mrs. Chalker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what would be the estimated cost to the National Insurance Fund, over and above the £50 per week concession accepted by the Government, of abolishing the earnings rule in respect of wives of retirement pensioners who do not have a pension in their own right;

(2) what would be the estimated cost to the National Insurance Fund, over and above the £50 per week concession accepted by the Government, of abolishing the earnings rule in respect of wives of invalidity pensioners only.

Mr. Orme

I regret that it has not so far been possible to obtain the information requested, but I shall let the hon. Member have it as soon as it is available.