§ Mr. Hicksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated increased cost for pensions if the retirement age for men were to be reduced to 60 years; and what would be the estimated net cost to public funds in the context of current unemployment levels.
§ Mr. Rossi:I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Cannock (Mr. Roberts) on 20 October 1981—[Vol. 10, c. 102–3]—for the current net cost. On the same assumptions it is estimated that the increased cost of retirement pensions would be £3,050 million per annum.