§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to consult further on the equalisation of the state pension age for men and women; and if he will indicate the expected timetable for progress.
§ Miss WiddecombeWe have been meeting the representatives of various interested organisations and 175W while doing so have continued to receive representations which arrived after the consultation period finished on June 30. After considering the views expressed, we will announce our proposals in due course.
§ Ms. AbbottTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will introduce proposals to amend the Social Security Act 1975 relating specifically to the Persons Abroad Regulations SI 1975/563 so that those of ethnic minority backgrounds who leave Britain to live abroad permanently have their pensions index-linked;
(2) if he will make a statement concerning the countries excluded from index-linked pension increases to individuals.
§ Miss WiddecombeWe have no plans to amend the regulations in the way suggested. Annual pension increases are payable to British pensioners living in 32 countries outside Great Britain. We have no plans to extend payment of such increases to pensioners living elsewhere.