HC Deb 14 February 1977 vol 926 cc42-3W
Mr. Paul Dean

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what will be the entitlement to national insurance benefits for widows and dependants of miners who die before the age of 65 years while in receipt of the benefits of the early retirement scheme;

(2) whether the overlapping benefit provisions of the National Insurance Scheme will apply to those miners who retire voluntarily under the early retirement scheme; and, if so, which benefits will be affected and how;

(3) whether miners in receipt of the benefits of the early retirement scheme will be entitled to national insurance benefits; and, if so, in what circumstances.

Mr. Orme

I understand that the details of the mineworkers' early retirement scheme have yet to be finalised. On the basis that the scheme is to be financed by the industry, the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the question whether the overlapping benefit provisions of the National Insurance Scheme will apply would not seem to arise. Those miners who satisfy the normal conditions for national insurance benefits will be entitled to these for themselves and, as appropriate, will be covered for their widows and dependants.

Mr. Paul Dean

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what national insurance contributions will be paid by the employer and the employee in the case of miners who retire voluntarily before the age of 65 years under the early retirement scheme.

Mr. Orme

If the payments to miners under the early retirement scheme are in the form of a pension, there will be no liability for contributions under the Social Security Act unless he takes up other employment.