§ 9. Mr. Hardyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount and the proportion by which the purchasing power of the single person's retirement pension has fallen since 1st July, 1970; and by how much it is expected to fall by 1st July, 1971.
§ Mr. HigginsThe purchasing power of the single rate fell by the equivalent of 18 new pence or 3.5 per cent. between mid-June and mid-December, 1970. It is not usual to publish forecasts of possible changes in the future purchasing power of pensions.
§ Mr. HardyWould not the Minister agree that the considerable increase in prices in recent months are likely to be very much dwarfed by those which are to come? Since the purchasing power of old-age pensions deteriorates daily, does he not agree that the Government should do something urgently?
§ Mr. HigginsNo, I would not concede the point the hon. Gentleman made. It is not usual to make forecasts of this kind. In regard to the overall position, clearly inflation is a very serious problem for pensioners, and the Government are determined to win the fight against it.
§ Dame Irene WardCould I ask the whole of the Treasury Bench, from top to bottom, to remember that there are quite a lot of pledges in the Tory Manifesto, and that my own requirement is that those living on small fixed incomes should have something done for them since the Labour Government so destroyed the standards of these people? Could I be assured that the Treasury Bench as a whole will have a conference to find out what it can do in the Budget, because I shall be watching and listening?
§ Mr. HigginsI sympathise with what my hon. Friend said, and she may rest 1589 assured that we shall certainly have a conference before the Budget. As for election pledges, I stress that we are determined to fulfil them all. If my hon. Friend will look at the manifesto, she will see that we have already succeeded in fulfilling a considerable number in a short period of time.
§ Mr. Arthur LewisWhich ones?
§ Mr. Michael CocksDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree, in view of the increased cost of living that many elderly people have to face, that his Department should give consideration to the totally unfair system whereby retired women have to continue to pay prescription charges up to the age of 65? This costs a great deal of money to many people and it is totally unfair. Is he aware that a measure to deal with this would be warmly welcomed on this side of the House?
§ Mr. HigginsThis is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Social Services, but it depends on circumstances in individual cases.