§ Mr. Easthamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will review the Social Security (No. 2) Act to take into account inflation; and if he will take steps to increase the £35 and £55 limits.
54Wbenefit and supplementary benefit. The rates for a married man with two children aged 4 and 6 and previous earnings at average levels are set out in the table below. The corresponding figures for a man whose previous earnings were high enough to attract a maximum earnings-related supplement to his injury benefit in May 1979 are also shown. The figures are in cash terms and percentages have been given where possible.
§ Mr. RossiThe rates of widows' benefits payable to a woman widowed between the ages of 50 and 59 on (i) 1 May 1979 and (ii) 3 January 1982 who had no dependants are set out as follows, distinguishing cases where the late husband's previous earnings were at average levels and cases where his previous earnings were high enough to attract maximum earnings related supplement to widows allowance or maximum additional component to widows pension. The figures are in cash terms and percentages have been given where appropriate.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe provisions of the Social Security (No. 2) Act 1980 which have a continuing effect are kept under review, and inflation is one of the factors which are taken into account. We will bear the hon. Member's specific suggestions in mind in the course of preparing 55W detailed proposals for the 1982 uprating, but final decisions will depend on economic circumstances at the time.