§ 13. Mr. WatsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has for providing a universal new benefit for pensioners over 75 years of age.
§ Mr. ScottOn 9 October we introduced new and enhanced premiums for disabled pensioners and those aged 75 and over into the income support and housing benefit schemes. This extra help is quite properly targeted on those older pensioners who are most in need. I have no plans for a universal new benefit for this age group.
§ Mr. WatsonIs the Minister aware of a large number of people aged 75 and over who just fail to qualify for that premium although they have long since made a contribution to society and who deserve to live their retirement in dignity? Does the Minister agree that the fairest way to tackle this problem is to introduce a universal premium, or is his advice to such people simply that they must await the arrival of a Labour Government for one to be provided?
§ Mr. ScottNo, I do not agree, because total incomes of pensioners have risen very quickly under this Government —more than twice as fast as for the population as a whole, at a rate of some 3 per cent. a year, which is all that the last Labour Government could achieve throughout its time in office. Under those circumstances, it is right to try to use the resources that we have to help those most in need.