HC Deb 23 February 1971 vol 812 cc74-5W
30. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the next change in the basic rates of retirement pensions will take account not only of the rate of inflation since the last increase was granted, but also the projected increase in inflation over the next two years and the growth of average earnings in the same period.

Mr. Dean

I can only repeat our pledge to ensure that retirement pensions at least maintain their purchasing power and that pensioners' living standards are properly protected.

49. Mr. William Price

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the cost in a full financial year of an increase in retirement pensions of £1 a week for married couples and 14s. for single people.

Mr. Dean

About £240 million without allowing for accompanying changes in other benefits.

87. Mr. Lane

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he now expects his forthcoming review of retirement pensions to be begun, completed and brought into effect, respectively.

Mr. Dean

The review is now in progress and the results will be announced as soon as they are ready. We intend that the changes should take effect in the autumn.

94. Mr. Peter Archer

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will introduce legislation to provide for credits in lieu of contributions for the purpose of entitlement to retirement pension for unmarried daughters caring for elderly or sick parents.

Sir K. Joseph

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Cornwall, North (Mr. Pardoe) on 2nd February.—[Vol. 810, c.317–9.]

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will invite a representative group of retirement pensioners to 10 Downing Street to discuss his proposals for implementing Her Majesty's Government's social and fiscal policies.

Sir K. Joseph

I received deputations from the two man retirement pensioner organisations last autumn, and discussed the problems affecting them.

Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what increase on the basic retirement pension would be required to give it the same value as it had immediately after the first post-war increase in 1946.

Mr. Dean

None. The standard rates of retirement pension for a single person and a married couple are, in fact, worth £1.56 and £2.54 more respectively (on the basis of the Index of Retail Prices for January, 1971) than the rates introduced in October, 1946.