§ Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost at current rates of equalising the qualifying age for the receipt of the basic pension for both sexes at(a) 60 years and (b) 62 years.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe cost of paying state retirement pension from age 60 to men has been estimated at about £3,000 million a year in 1985–86 prices.
The cost of equalising the qualifying age of state pension for both sexes at 60 and 62 years at the current rates is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of pensioners have some form of second income to add to the basic state pension.
§ Miss WiddecombeIn 1987, 84 per cent. of pensioners received some form Of income in addition to the retirement pension and other state benefits.