HC Deb 01 December 1970 vol 807 cc1071-2
25. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reply he has sent to the Scottish retirement pensioners' request for an immediate increase in pensions.

Mr. Dean

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of my reply.

Mr. Eadie

Surely the hon. Gentleman must concede that there is great public concern at the present time—[Interruption.]—about the whole question of pensions provision? This is shown by the fact that a tremendous amount of public demonstration is going on at the present time. [Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. Mr. Eadie. Question.

Mr. Eadie

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Some hon. Members opposite apparently do not like to be questioned.

Does not the Under-Secretary of State agree that, since the cost of living is increasing and there is mounting concern, he should bring in a Bill for an immediate pension increase? I am sure that we on this side would expedite the passage of the Bill.

Mr. Dean

We are all suffering from the effects of the inflation which was the responsibility of the Labour Government, which they failed to cure but which we are determined to cure.

31. Mr. Bidwell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the cost of an increase of £2 per week per couple to all retirement state pensioners, husband and dependent wife.

Mr. Dean

£160 million without allowing for increases to other retirement pensioners or accompanying changes in other benefits.

Mr. Bidwell

Would not the Minister agree that figures of this kind can never tell the whole story? As there are always considerable offsetting advantages in a substantial increase of the basic retirement pension and as we have had inflation under both parties and as it may take some time for the Government to cure inflation, should not old-age pensioners have an increase immediately, before Christmas?

Mr. Dean

The hon. Gentleman has asked me for one figure. The figure for all pensions and other benefits would be over £600 million, which would mean a substantial increase in the contributions of both employers and employees. None the less, I repeat the pledge of this Administration that the pension rate will be reviewed next year.