§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many registered unemployed men under 65 years of age were occupational pensioners during the most recent month for which figures are available.
§ Mr. OrmeOn the basis of preliminary tabulations it is estimated that the number of male occupational pensioners aged between 55 and 64 registered as unemployed is about 60,000.
§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate has he made of the number of registered unemployed men, excluding Service men, under 65 years of age in receipt of occupational pensions who are effectively in the field of employment, as distinct from those who, having retired on pension, are simply drawing unemployment benefit as of right.
§ Mr. OrmeI assume that the hon. Member is seeking to contrast occupational pensioners claiming unemployment benefit who are effectively in the field of employment with those who are not. As 487W the National Insurance Advisory Committee said in its Report on Occupational Pensioners in 1968 (Cmnd. 3545), availability for work is to a large extent an attitude of mind which it is very difficult to test. The committee was satisfied, however, after considering all the evidence put before it that many of those in receipt of substantial occupational pensions were not effectively in the employment field. The Government will be bringing appropriate proposals before Parliament in due course.