§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in his consideration of the age of retirement, he will take into account the fact that the French Government, trades unions and employers' federations have reached an agreement on voluntary retirement at 60 years of age and on pensions of up to 70 per cent. of the average wage; and if he will consider to what extent such a scheme could be introduced in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. RossiI have noted the agreement signed on 4 February between the French Minister of Social Affairs and the main French trade unions and employers' federations. To reduce pension age for men to 60 in Great Britain would cost at least £2.5 billion a year, at 1981–82 benefit levels. I share the view of the Social Services Committee that
we cannot contemplate the additional economic burden which would be imposed on the entire nation by lowering male pension age to 60".(Third Report on Age of Retirement: Session 1981–82, Page 37, para 90).