§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social services if he will make regulations, in anticipation of his long-term commitment to abolish the earnings rule, to enable men over 65 years of age to take employment in fields of employment where there is a proved shortage of suitably qualified and experienced persons, like ministers of religion, without losing entitlement to the State retirement pension; and if he will make a statement of his policy on this matter in relation to cases similar to that of the Rev. R. Newland of Southend, details of which have been supplied to him.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWhilst we remain committed to phasing out the earnings rule for retirment pensioners when resources allow, the current economic situation precludes any move in that direction at the moment. It is for this reason that we have felt constrained to hold the56W rule's earnings limit at £52 a week for a further year, as announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on 24 November—[Vol. 994, c. 315.] There would be considerable administrative difficulties in abolishing the earnings rule and, with it the retirement condition, in limited fields of employment, as suggested.