§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will undertake a survey to establish how many men between 60 and 65 years would choose to retire before present pensionable age if given the opportunity; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeA survey commissioned Jointly by DHSS and the Department of 801W Employment from the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys into reasons for retirement was carried out in the spring of 1977. The survey included questions on early retirement. The results are expected to be published next year.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what studies he has undertaken to assess costs of reducing retirement age for men to 64, 63, 62 and 61 years, respectively, if a proportionate pension only was paid until the age of 65 years was reached; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeI have not undertaken any studies to assess the cost of the specific suggestion in the hon. Member's question.
It is expected, however, subject to the response obtained to the discussion document "A Happier Old Age", that the costs associated with any changes in pension age will be considered in the White Paper on the elderly which it is proposed to publish next year.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will undertake a study to establish costs if single people over the age of 50 years were allowed to retire on full pension to enable them to look after an elderly relative; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeI do not consider that early payment of retirement pension is an appropriate way to provide for this contingency. Invalid care allowance or supplementary benefit is available provided the qualifying conditions are satisfied. Where these benefits are in payment there are provisions to protect the entitlement to basic retirement pension of the person looking after the elderly relative.