§ Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated actual increase in purchasing power of the war widow's basic rate of pension of £10.10 to be paid in October 1973, compared with the rate of £6.50 in June 1970; and how this compares with the period from April 1966 to June 1970.
§ Mr. DeanThe latest Retail Prices Index figure shows that the estimated equivalent purchasing power of £6.50 in May 1973 was £8.27, so that the new rate of £10.10 represents a real increase of £1.83, subject to price movements between May and September 1973. The equivalent purchasing power of the war widow's pension of £5.25 payable in April 1966 was £6.33 in June 1970, compared with the rate of £6.50 then payable, an increase in purchasing power of 17p.
§ Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated actual increase in purchasing power of the basic 100 per cent. rate of war pension of £12.80, to be paid in October 1973, compared with the rate of £8.40 in June 1970; and how this compares with the period from April 1966 to June 1970.
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§ Mr. DeanThe latest Retail Prices Index figure shows that the estimated equivalent purchasing power of £8.40 in May 1973 was £10.69 so that the new rate of £12.80 represents a real increase of £2.11, subject to price movements between May and September 1973. The equivalent purchasing power of the 100 per cent. war pension of £6.75 payable in April 1966 was £8.14 in June 1970, compared with the rate of £8.40 then payable, an increase in purchasing power of 26p.