§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the implementation of the abolition of the earnings rule.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardI have been asked to reply.
From 1 October 1989, existing pensioners who already have their pension reduced because of their earnings will be awarded the full pension to which they are entitled. Those who have deferred taking their pension will be offered the opportunity to claim it or to continue deferment. The Department's objective is that as many as possible of those who wish to do so will be able to draw their pension by Christmas. In any event, payments will be backdated to 1 October.