HC Deb 12 November 1996 vol 285 cc193-4W
17. Mr. John Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what consultations he has had with the Government Actuary about the cost of paying the state pension from age 60 years; and if he will make a statement. [1714]

Mr. Heald

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Evennett) earlier today.

Mr. Forman

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received in favour of a state pension age starting at 60 years. [1695]

Mr. Heald

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State received one letter from the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms Harman) on 30 August advocating allowing people to claim state pension from age 60, but envisaging that the basic state pension would be reduced to offset the extra cost.

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the future of the basic state pension. [2181]

Mr. Heald

I refer the hon. Member to the oral reply I gave the hon. Member for Broxbourne (Mrs. Roe) today.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which countries of the EU pay state pensions at a lower rate than the United Kingdom. [1699]

Mr. Heald

Because of the diverse nature of pension state schemes within the European Union, it is not possible to make a meaningful comparison.

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