HC Deb 30 January 1956 vol 548 cc65-6W
53. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance by how much the basic retirement pension has declined in purchasing power since the date of the last increase; and whether he will introduce legislation to restore the loss.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

On the basis of the Interim Index of Retail Prices the loss in purchasing power of the 40s. retirement pension is 1s. 10d. These pensions have at present the same purchasing power as they had originally in 1946.