§ Mrs. MahonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the proportion of the average male wage represented by the basic state pension on(a) 24 April 1981 and (b) 24 April 1988.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe information requested is as follows:
Per cent. April 1981 22.6 April 1988 20.5 The earnings figures used are all full-time male manual earnings on adult rates where earnings are unaffected by absence. Full basic state retirement pension for a single person is used in the calculations. Although a date is given when the new earnings survey is carried out (20 April in 1988) employers sometimes provide monthly information. April figures are therefore quoted.