§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has any plans to amend the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987 so that the retirement pension is paid from the date of retirement rather than the first Monday after retirement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardWe have no plans to do so. Retirement pension is a regular weekly payment and is not paid for part weeks. The current provisions ensure that everyone is entitled to a full week's pension within a week of retirement.