§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services by what percentage the increased cost of living, including 598W rates, has eroded the income of a retired couple living on State pension only, in each district within the counties of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire for each year since 1970.
§ Mr. OrmeI regret that information as to changes in the cost of living is not kept on a regional basis. But, on the basis of the movements in the General Index of Retail Prices nationally, which takes account of housing costs, including rates, the real income of a married couple living on retirement pension alone, far from being eroded, has considerably increased compared with 1970. In fact, the standard rate of pension for a Married couple introduced in November 1977 was 28 per cent. higher in real value than the rate introduced in November 1969.