HC Deb 06 March 1973 vol 852 cc222-3
15. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of the average pensioner's income is spent on food and heating at the last convenient date.

Mr. Dean

Information is not available in the form requested, but the latest Family Expenditure Survey data shows that about 45 per cent. of average weekly expenditure for pensioner households is on food, fuel, light and power.

Mr. Mitchell

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the figures show that pensioners are suffering very severely from the enormous increases in food prices over the last two or three months? Is there not a need for at least the poorest pensioners to have increases in their pensions dating from 1st April of this year so that they do not have to wait until the autumn? Is there not still time for the Secretary of State to have last-minute consultations with the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Mr. Dean

There has been a substantial real improvement in the buying power of the pension under this Government. There is now an annual review of pensions, which takes fully into account rising prices, including food prices.

Dame Irene Ward

I acknowledge everything that my hon. Friend says. However, can he tell me whether he is getting on with considering a special heating allowance? The increase in the price of coal, gas—when gas is available—and electricity is imposing a very great burden on the elderly, the sick and the handicapped. I am very anxious that we should devise some means to have a special heating allowance. I am looking forward to the co-operation of the Treasury and the Department of Health and Social Security in this matter.

Mr. Dean

I can assure my hon. Friend that we are giving very sympathetic consideration to the people she has mentioned.

Mr. Frank Allaun

While the hon. Gentleman is aware that some of us are pressing for better heat allowances, does he accept that a basic pension increase is greatly preferable as so many people needing the extra allowances do not take them up?

Mr. Dean

That may be true of supplementary pensions in some cases. It is not true, as the hon. Gentleman is aware, of the national insurance pension. With regard to heating allowances, there is a campaign which started last autumn and which is still proceeding to bring heating allowances to people's attention and to advise them about better insulation of their houses so that better use is made of the heat which is available.