§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, on the basis of the average industrial wage currently paid, what amounts are likely to be paid by a single man and woman for their State pensions during their working lives; how much gross would be paid in retirement pension in each case assuming an average life expectancy; and if he will give similar information for a married couple both working.
§ Mr. OrmeNo part of the national insurance contribution is specifically allocated 277W for retirement pension and payment of the contribution also confers title to other benefits.
Assuming—
the amounts paid in contributions would be about £12,715 and £7,025 respectively.
- (i) they have participated in the new pension scheme throughout their working lives;
- (ii) gross earnings throughout their working lives of the average industrial wage estimated at December 1977 of £76.86 a week for the man, and £47.30 a week for the woman;
- (iii) contributions paid throughout at current rates (full contributions for the woman whether married or single);
On the current life expectancy of a man age 65 and a woman age 60 the amount they would receive by way of retirement pension at current rates, including additional pension, would be around £20,300 and £25,740 respectively.
If they had been a married couple in these circumstances the woman survivor would receive the whole of the additional pension component of her late husband's pension for the remainder of her life bringing the total amount likely to be received jointly to around £48,160.