§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now review the operation of section 5 of the Social Security (No. 2) Act 1980 so that those who are aged over 60 years and receive unemployment benefit are not penalised by having an occupational pension.
§ Dr. BoysonNo. The provision affects only those with occupational pensions of substantial value. We are keeping in mind the arguments for raising the level, currently £35, at which such pensions start to affect benefit, but this has to be considered in comparison with other demands on resources.