§ 65. Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what were the average wages of men, women and youths in October, 1946; what percentage of such wages was paid to single man pensioners in 1946; what were the average wages of men, women and youths in April, 1956; what percentage rise this represents over the 1946 wages; what would the single man's contributory pension under National Insurance be today if the pension had the same percentage relationship to the 1956 wages; and what would the married couples pension be if related in the same way to the wages rise.
52W
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterFigures for average wages are not available. The wages index, however, shows an increase of 65 per cent. between October, 1946, and April, 1956, and a similar increase in retirement pensions would give a rate of 42s. 11d. for a single person and 69s. 4d. for a married couple.