I REFER to the letter (LET, August 13) when the writer states that she is disgusted by the way she believes pension rights are biased against working mums.

In her case she states that she has worked "all her life" but worked only part-time when her children were young, electing to pay a reduced contribution.

I was in a similar position many years ago and was advised that I could elect to pay a reduced contribution but that in many years' time when I qualified for state retirement pension, the years when I paid only a reduced contribution would be taken into account and my pension calculated accordingly.

I chose the full contribution and therefore I receive a 100 per cent basic state pension in my own right.

As the writer states, she is to receive an 80 per cent contributory pension and has sadly been penalised for the other 20 per cent when she paid only a part contribution.

So far as I am aware the above has always been the case.

Pensions are not given as a right for working but for being paid for in accordance with rules in force at the time whilst working.

E CARR, Redvers Road, Darwen.