§ 7. Mr. Kaufmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many pensions are being paid to men aged 87 years and over, and to women aged 82 years and over, under the National Insurance (Old Persons' and Widows' Pensions and Attendance Allowance) Act, 1970; and how many of these are receiving the full pension of £3 for a single person and £4 17s. for a married couple.
§ Mr. DeanUp to and including 9th November, over 101,000 awards under Section 1 of the Act had been made. Of these about 550 are at less than the full rate and about 38,000 involved adjustments to supplementary pensions. Claims are still being received.
§ Mr. KaufmanWhat is the saving to the Government in payments on supplementary benefit as a result of the introduction of this scheme?
§ Mr. DeanAs I mentioned, in 38,000 cases some adjustments have been made, but that means that in over 62,000 cases the full rates of benefit are being paid. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman and the House would wish to pay tribute to the staff of the Department and those who have helped us identify these claimants for the very speedy operation which has been carried out.