§ 16. Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what was the percentage of the married pensioners' 42s. in October, 1946, compared with the prevailing average earnings of men in October, 1946; what was the 42s. pension expressed as a percentage of women's earnings in the same year; and what would be the married couple's pension if it were raised to the same percentage rate of the men's earnings in October, 1958 or to the same percentage of women's earnings in October, 1958.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn October, 1946, the sum of 42s. amounted to 34.8 per cent. of the average earnings of men included in the Ministry of Labour's half-yearly inquiry; and this percentage of the corresponding average in October, 1958, was 89s. 4d. The corresponding figures for women were 64.4 per cent. and 86s. 2d.
§ Mr. McKayApparently, it is admitted that the industrial relationship is much lower now than it was in 1946. Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why we cannot bring the pensions up to the same industrial relationship as in 1946? Could he not go a little further and say how much it would cost to bring them up a little higher to improve the position beyond the 1946 level?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe reason for which the hon. Member asks is that the percentage was allowed to drop between 1946 and 1951. If one takes the 1951 date, the percentage today is better than it was at that date.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe hon. Member asked for the reason. Although he may not like it, he has got it.