§ 17. Mr. Mark RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the real average increase in pensioner household income since 1979; and what was the increase for the average household of the United Kingdom overall. [27617]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotBetween 1979 and 1992–93, average household income rose by at least 43 per cent. for pensioners. During the same period, average household income in the United Kingdom rose by about 38 per cent.
§ Mr. RobinsonI thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Does that not show that all pensioners are now better off in real terms than they were in 1979, thus giving the lie to some of the Labour party's claims?
§ Mr. ArbuthnotYes, it does. It shows also the virtues of our pursuing funded occupational pension provision and other policies that have been dramatically successful in improving this country's economy.