§ Mr. Newtonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what the actual rates of the retirement pension, both single and married, were in March 1974 and their value, at November 1977 prices, in that month.
§ Mr. OrmeIn March 1974 the rates of retirement pension were £7.75 for a single person and £12..50 for a married couple. On the basis of the movement in the general index of retail prices from March 1974 these rates were, in November 1977, equivalent in value to £14..16 and £22.83 respectively, compared with the actual rates of £17..50 and £28.00 introduced in that month.