HC Deb 09 December 1975 vol 902 cc99-101W
58. Sir John Rodgers

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will consider repealing the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971.

upon the timing and speed of the recovery in world trade which is an important influence on our export prospects and subsequently on the revival of the domestic economy.

EXPORT AND IMPORT VOLUME INDEX NUMBERS ON A BALANCE OF PAYMENTS BASIS
Seasonally adjusted 1970=100
Running average for three months ended Exports Imports
1974—
January 123.1 136.5
February 124.7 135.9
March 126.7 134.7
April 131.9 135.8
May 131.7 135.7
June 132.5 137.1
July 132.7 138.3
August 133.4 136.0
September 134.3 135.4
October 132.8 134.1
November 129.0 137.2
December 126.6 134.4
1975—
January 127.9 134.0
February 130.0 130.4
March 130.9 126.8
April 125.3 123.8
May 127.3 120.9
June 123.9 122.1
July 126.8 125.0
August 121.0 126.7
September 121.9 127.9
October 124.7 127.3

Mr. Pardoe

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the United Kingdom's share of world trade by price and volume, respectively, in each of the last four quarters for which figures are available.

Mr. Deakins

The available information is as follows:

Mr. Charles R. Morris

No, but as I said in answer to my hon. friend the Member for Fife, Central (Mr. Hamilton) on 24th November, as was done this year, the review under the 1971 Act next year will again be considered in the context of the economic situation at the time.—[Vol. 901, c. 476–8.]

Sir John Rodgers

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will take steps to amend the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971 so that annual increases granted thereunder are in line with the increase in gross national product.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

To maintain the public service pensioners' share of the rising gross national product in real terms would, in the long run, increase the real value of pensions rather than, as at present, maintain their purchasing power. The Government does not feel that it would be justified in making such an improvement in the public service pensions scheme at this time.