asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to review the rates of retirement pensions and the age at which men and women become entitled to them.

Under the provisions of the Social Security Act 1975 my right hon. Friend has to review the rates of retirement pensions and other benefits before the end of the present tax year. He will announce the proposed new rates shortly after that review. As to the question of pension age, the Government hope to publish a White Paper dealing with the major issues of concern to elderly people, including that of pension age.