§ Mr. NellistTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his latest estimate of the cost of equalising pension ages for men and women for(a) retirement pension and (b) income support pensioner premiums; and how these estimates would differ if (i) spouse additions and (ii) widow/widower pensions were paid on the same basis on male and female pensions at (1) 65 years, (2) 60 years or (3) 55 years.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe cost of paying state retirement pension to men from age 60 has been estimated at about £3,000 million a year in 1985–86 prices. Paying pensions to women from age 65 has been estimated to save about £500 million in 1985–86 prices. Income support pensioner premiums are payable to men and women at age 60. The cost of providing State pensions to men and women at age 55 and the further information requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.