§ 13. Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many letters his Department has received on the increase in state pensions, which is to take place in September.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Paul Dean)This information is not available.
§ Mr. CoxIn spite of the fact that the information is not available, I am sure that the hon. Gentleman is aware of the deep concern which many retired people are expressing about the continued fall in their living standards. Unfortunately, because of the continual rise in the cost of living, with more in the pipeline, the pension increase next September will do very little to improve their situation. Therefore, will the hon. Gentleman give a pledge to retired people that early in the New Year there will be a full review by the Department of the real value of the pension which people are then in receipt of?
§ Mr. DeanThe hon. Gentleman is being far too pessimistic. The increase in the pension of £1 is the largest increase ever. It will more than restore the purchasing power of the pension. No fewer than 10 million people will benefit next month to the tune of an additional £600 million.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The Question related to the number of letters received and the answer was, "None". I think I was in error in calling the hon. Member for Wandsworth, Central (Mr. Cox) for a supplementary question.