§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give an estimate of the time which would be required, for administrative reasons, between a decision to increase old-age pensions and the payment of the increase.
§ Mr. DeanThe time required depends upon a number of factors which vary from up-rating to up-rating, but the Government will ensure that pensions are increased at the time which they think is right.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the depreciation of the £ sterling by 10d. since June, 1970, he will, in his forthcoming review of retirement pensions, relate such pensions to changes in the purchasing value of the £ sterling.
§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services by how 39W much the basic old-age retirement pension has decreased in value since the last increase; and what estimate he has made of the further decrease likely to occur within the next 12 months.
§ Mr. DeanFrom November, 1969, to November, 1970, the latest available date, the value of the pension fell by 7.3 per cent., as measured by the movement in prices. I do not think the second part of the Question arises, because before the end of this period we shall have completed the next biennial review.
§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress has been made in the payment of pensions as of right to the over-80's; what amount net is being paid out in Scotland; and what is the average net payment in England and Wales and Scotland, respectively.
§ Mr. DeanUp to and including 8th January, 120,788 pensions had been awarded to elderly people entitled under Section 1 of the National Insurance (Old persons' and widows' pensions and attendance allowance) Act, 1970.
The figures for the amount paid out in Scotland and the average net payment in England, Wales and Scotland are not available.
§ Mr. Marksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will take steps without delay to give some pension as of right to the over 80's who now get no retirement pension.
§ Mr. DeanI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Abingdon (Mr. Neave) on 10th December, 1970.—[Vol. 808 c.179.]