§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will introduce a scheme for early retirement at 60 years for all, similar to the arrangements made for mineworkers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Rossi:No. It is open to those involved in occupational schemes in any industry to negotiate special provisions for early retirement for specified groups. All such provision involves an extra cost in lost contributions and extra pensions payable. The Government are not able to introduce a general lowering of the minimum age for retirement pension to age 60 for reasons which have been fully set out in published evidence to the Select Committee on Social Services. However, we have extended the job release scheme and given entitlement to the long-term rates of supplementary allowance to men over 60 who are long-term unemployed.