§ 33. Mr. Allasonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the percentage increase in the cost of living since the last increase in Service pensions.
§ Mr. ReynoldsAbout 9 per cent. since the effective date of the last pensions increase measure.
§ Mr. AllasonBearing in mind the certainty of further rises in the near future, has not the time come for an increase in public service pensions this year rather than next?
§ Mr. ReynoldsThis matter was fully debated on 9th May and I have nothing to add to what was said then by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, when he pointed out that the necessary work was in hand for such a Bill but he could not give any commitment as to when it would be introduced.
§ Mr. MaudlingIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the official spokesman in another place recently gave the impression that pensions had been increased by 7 per cent. for existing pensioners? Will he make it clear that there has been no increase?
§ Mr. ReynoldsIf the right hon. Gentleman is referring to forces' pensions becoming due by next week, of course there will be an average of 7 per cent. increase. But these are a different block of pensions from those referred to in the Question on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe Government spokesman in another place was referring to existing pensions of those already retired. Will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that they are not getting anything?
§ Mr. ReynoldsThe 7 per cent. increase only applies to future pensions which come into payment from a particular date onwards.