§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware that rents, rates, fares, food prices, coal, gas, electricity, telephones, postal and all other forms of service costs and consumer goods have risen in price during the past few months; and, as this will most adversely affect the retirement pensioners, whether he will take steps to increase retirement pensions or to give a special bonus of a double pension allowance for two weeks at Christmas.
§ Mr. DeanNaturally we keep a close watch on prices. The effect of increases will be taken into account at the next review of pensions, due next year. My 479W right hon. Friend has no plans for a special bonus at Christmas, but the increase in supplementary benefits from this week will help those who are the least well off.