§ Mr. Adleyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to safeguard the living standards of people living on savings income and small fixed income pensions.
§ Mr. DellInflation remains the major threat to the living standards of people dependent upon small fixed incomes, and it has been a major objective of Government policy to alleviate this danger. High priority has also been given to the improvement of social security benefits. There was a record uprating of 29 per cent. in State pensions and associated benefits last July, and a further uprating 397W of 16 per cent. is due in April, with another increase planned for December. The food subsidy programme has also had a significant beneficial effect, and those with money to invest will stand to gain from the forthcoming index-linked savings scheme for people of retirement age.