§ Mr. Howeasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how much of the extra £387 million allowed by the National Plan for benefits and assistance in 1969–70 she estimates will be available for the payment of earnings-related unemployment and sickness benefit and for the introduction of a minimum income guarantee if the average real value of retirement pensions together with all other benefits currently payable is increased by 1969–70 by the equivalent of 5s., 10s. and 15s., respectively, per retirement pensioner per week.
§ Miss HerbisonThe cost in 1969–70 of such increases under the National Insurance, Industrial Injuries, War Pensions and National Assistance schemes would fall short of £387 million by about £260 million, £135 million and £10 million respectively. All these figures are at constant "1965 Survey prices", as referred to in paragraph 7 of Chapter 18 of the National Plan.