§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will propose legislation to make eligible for social security benefit people over the age of 60 years who do not qualify for benefit by virtue of their possession of life insurance policies, and who are thus forced to sell their policy in order to receive benefit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonGenerally it is only when a claimant to supplementary benefit has a life insurance policy the surrender value of which itself exceeds the capital limit of £2,500 that he could be put in the position to which my266W hon. Friend refers. The indications are that the number of people so affected is unlikely to be significant. However, the Government will continue to keep this aspect in mind.