§ 31. Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he last met the retirement pensioners' associations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeMy right hon. Friend met representatives of the National Federation of Old Age Pensions Associations on 9 November 1978. I met representatives of the British Pensioners and Trade Unions Action Committee on 5 Decem-606W ber 1978. A number of issues affecting pensioners were discussed at these meetings. They included the pension rates introduced in November 1978; pension levels generally; the Christmas bonus; the new pension scheme and services for the elderly.