§ 4. Mr. Laneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services by how much prices have increased since pensions were last increased.
§ Mr. Swingler7.3 per cent. measured by the Index of Retail Prices.
§ Mr. LaneAs prices have been rising more rapidly in recent weeks, may I ask whether the Government can hold out any hope of improving on the rather gloomy forecast of the Prime Minister a year ago when he implied that the earliest time for the next increase in pensions would be autumn this year?
§ Mr. SwinglerThe hon. Gentleman will no doubt have in mind that during the period when this rise took place the supplementary benefit scales have been raised. I am referring to the period since pensions were last raised in October, 1967. This is a factor which will be taken into account in the next review during the next 12 months.