28 JULY 1967, Page 22

Sir: If the `over-eighties' had been ten years younger they

would have been entitled to the state pension, for they could have joined voluntarily: but they were debarred. Mr Phillips cannot argue that ten years' payments cover the pension. No— the state pays the enormous difference. And the over-eighties have helped, through taxation. to make up this difference. Therefore, they are entitled to the pension, more so than some of those of younger years.