§ 17. Mr. William Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total amount paid by the Government in retirement pensions in the period 1965 to 1969; and what was the comparable figure for 1960 to 1964.
§ Mr. EnnalsIn the five years ending 31st March, 1970, expenditure on retirement pensions was£7,070 million compared with£4,240 million in the previous five years.
§ Mr. PriceDo not those figures finally shatter the myth spread by some hon. Members opposite that it is the Tory Party which cares for the elderly?
§ Mr. EnnalsThat is absolutely right. The figures in my reply show an increase of over 67 per cent. in total expenditure on retirement pensions during the past five years compared with the last five years when the party opposite was in power.
§ Mr. DeanWill the hon. Gentleman now complete the picture and tell us what has happened to prices during that period? Does he accept that, during the past five years, pensions have stood still because pensions have gone up 25 per cent. and prices 24.7 per cent.?
§ Mr. EnnalsThat is not so. If we compare the situation today with that in October, 1964, when this Government came to office, not only have National Insurance benefits increased by more than price increases; they have more than kept pace with the percentage of earnings increases.