§ Mr. MorleyI wish to present a second petition, signed by many thousands of Scunthorpe district residents. It relates to the calculation of pensions in this country. In 1979 the link between state pensions and the average increase in wages was broken by the Government. Pensions were instead linked to the retail prices index. That change has severely reduced the amount of pension that many pensioners receive.
The people who have raised the petition, in particular the Scunthorpe pensioners rights campaign, point out that they seek not only the restoration of the link that was broken in 1979, but also parity with pensions in Europe. I believe that our pensioners have had a very poor deal over the past few years——
§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Harold Walker)Order. The hon. Gentleman cannot argue his case. He is tending to précis the petition.
§ Mr. MorleyI am grateful for your guidance, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
I believe that pensioners have had a raw deal and I fully support the petition which states:
The Humble Petition of the people of Scunthorpe district shewethThat there is an essential need to improve the pensions and conditions of the country's pensioners.Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your honourable House will restore the link between pension calculations and average earning increases, as a first step in bringing state pensions into line with the best in Europe.And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will for ever pray.
§ To lie upon the Table.