§ Mr. Rookerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost in a full year of allowing retired single women the benefit of the age allowance between the ages of 60 to 64 years at the following rates: (a) £1,080, (b) £1,105, and (c) £1,210.
§ Mr. Robert Sheldon, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 17th May 1977], gave the following information:
The costs for all single women, including widows, whether working or retired, would be (a) £35 million, (b) £37 million and (c) £49 million, respectively. These estimates are based on 1977–78 income levels and assume full implementation of the Budget proposals.