§ Sir Ian GilmourTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how the abolition of the pensioner earnings rule will affect women(a) below the age of 60 years and (b) aged 60 to 65 years who are drawing category B pensions, through the contributions of their husbands.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe position for these women from 1 October 1989 is as follows:
- (a) Where a married woman below the age of 60 years is concerned, if her husband has reached age 65 and claimed category A retirement pension, he will continue to be entitled to the dependent adult's addition to his retirement pension in respect of his wife. The earnings rule of £34.70 a week attached to this addition will continue to apply.
- (b) As now, a woman whose husband has deferred taking his retirement pension will not be able to claim her category B retirement pension. However, a married woman aged 60 to 65 years who can claim a category B retirement pension based on her husband's contribution record will not be subject to an earnings rule on her pension.