§ 15. and 16. Mr. Hefferasked the Minister of Social Security (1) whether she will increase retirement pensions and National Assistance rates, as soon as the period of the income standstill has terminated; and if she will make a statement;
(2) what steps she is taking to restore the retirement pension to the level in real terms it was when introduced in 1965; and if she will make a statement.
§ Miss Margaret HerbisonI would remind my hon. Friend that the increase in pensions in March 1965 was one of about 18 per cent. against an increase in the Retail Prices Index since then of 6.8 per cent.
§ Mr. HefferWhile appreciating the Answer and recognising the great work 12 done by my right hon. Friend, may I ask her nevertheless to give an assurance that at intervals the retirement pensions will be carefully looked at with a view to increasing them at intervals?
§ Miss HerbisonI can assure my hon. Friend that each month I look at the movement of the Retail Prices Index because I am concerned that our old people should not suffer. It is because of this that I was able to give the figures which I have given today.
§ Mr. WinnickWhile recognising the large increase which took place in retirement pensions in March, 1965, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether she does not agree that there is still a very strong case indeed for a further substantial increase as soon as possible? Secondly, now that social secrurity minima have been established for elderly people, does she hope that within six months these minima will be reviewed in order that they may be increased?
§ Miss HerbisonI am afraid at this stage I cannot add anything to the answers which I have given to my hon. Friends.