§ 21. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the latest figures available for the cost of reducing the pensionable age of men to 60, 62, and 63 years, respectively; what plans he has for a more flexible pension retirement age; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinAssuming no change in retirement patterns, the extra cost to central Government funds of reducing men's pension age to 60 would be about £2,700 million a year, to 62 about £1,600 million and to 63 about £1,000 million.
As to flexible retirement, I refer the hon. Member to my reply earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. McCrindle).