HC Deb 11 December 1978 vol 960 cc66-7W
Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will introduce legislation to reduce the voluntary retirement age for men to 60 years.

Mr. Orme:

No. The cost of such a measure remains prohibitive.

Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will introduce legislation which will progressively permit men and women to retire at the same age, if they so wish.

Mr. Orme:

Questions relating to pension age, including equality in this respect between men and women, were set out in the discussion document "A Happier Old Age" which my Department published in June. The document sought the views of the public and interested organisations. The response to the document has been very encouraging and myrighthon. Friend has extended the closing date for comments to the end of the year. Thereafter the Government will consider in the light of the comments received what further steps might be taken.