§ Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will state the date when old-age pensions first commenced; the amounts then paid; and what has been the percentage increase in these pensions since that date.
§ Miss PittNon-contributory old-age pensions, to which it is assumed the question refers, were first paid on 1st January, 1909. The pension has always varied according to means but the original maximum rate was 5s. a week. The current maximum rate, of 26s. a week therefore represents an increase of 420 per cent.