§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why Her Majesty's Government put national savings certificates on sale to women of 60 years and men of 65 years, in view of Government policy of support for nondiscrimination and equality of the sexes; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LawsonI take it the hon. Member is referring to the retirement issue of national savings certificates, which was put on sale by the previous Administration. The issue is available only to those of national insurance pension age, hence the difference in the age limit for men and women. So far as the future availability of the retirement issue certificates is concerned, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Mr. Chapman) on 8 November 1979.—[Vol. 973, c.589.]
§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the national savings certificate office's files of certificate holders to be computerised.
§ Mr. LawsonThere are no plans at present to do so.