73. The Rev. Ll. Williamsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insur- 84W ance the average earnings of workers in industry at times when the basic retirement pensions have been increased in the post-war period.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterFollowing is the Answer:
Date of increase of Retirement Pension Average earnings of manual wage earners (a) Men Women All workers s. d. s. d. s. d. October, 1951 166 0 90 1 141 1 October, 1952 178 6 96 4 151 11 April, 1955 217 5 112 5 182 3 January, 1958 251 7(b) 129 6(b) 212 5(b) (a)As shown by the Ministry of Labour's half-yearly inquiry into the earnings of manual wage earners in manufacturing and some of the principal non-manufacturing industries, published in the Ministry of Labour Gazette. (b)As at October, 1957.
74. The Rev. Ll. Williamsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what proposals he now has for increasing the basic retirement pension.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAs I informed the hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun) in reply to his Question on 16th November, we are keeping the rates of retirement pension and other benefits under review.