Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Monday 13th June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Steve Webb]

To the extent that we know what the hon. Lady’s policy is, it appears to be: to put it off for a decade. Unfortunately, one of the problems with the previous Government’s approach on so many difficult issues was to put them off and assume that somebody else would pay. On pensions, that would require another £10 billion to be paid by tomorrow’s national insurance payers. Does she think that that is a fair burden, given that the people retiring shortly will benefit from the greater longevity?

[Mr Speaker]

I am much obliged to the Minister.

[Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab)]

15. What estimate he has made of the costs incurred by a disabled person in the three months following diagnosis of their disability.

--- Later in debate ---

[Steve Webb]

Although HMOs are one response to the problem, young people will have a range of alternatives, which will differ from individual to individual. For example, one third of single people aged 25 to 34 live with their parents. I recognise that this is not an option for some, but it may be an option that others will take up. Some will use the Government’s “Rent a room” scheme—whereby an owner-occupier will rent out a room, from which they can get more than £4,000 tax free—and some may be able to rent a room from a social landlord, which is something that we are looking to explore more.

[Mr Speaker]

I call Tony Lloyd. Not here. I call Mr Gerry Sutcliffe. Not here.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

22. How many nationals of other EU member states are in receipt of benefits provided by his Department.

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I remind the House that if we are to maximise progress, we need pithy questions and, from the Secretary of State and his colleagues, pithy answers.

[Teresa Pearce (Erith and Thamesmead) (Lab)]

T2. Members have already raised the issue of women born in 1954 who must wait an extra two years to receive their pensions, but those who have small occupational pensions paid for and planned for on the basis of the earlier retirement date and who then find themselves out of work before the later date will be adversely affected in terms of jobseeker’s allowance. Will the Minister review the rule and, specifically, the way in which it relates to those disadvantaged women?