HC Deb 19 October 1981 vol 10 cc65-6W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will provide comparisons of the weekly rates of retirement pensions in the United Kingdom and those of other European Economic Community countries (a) in money terms and (b) in percentage terms, taking the United Kingdom rate as 100.

Mr. Rossi:

In most member States of the European Community retirement pensions are calculated wholly or in part as a proportion of past earnings over widely differing reference periods—for example, whole working life, last 10 years. Consequently there is not normally a national rate of retirement pension on which to base comparisons of the kind requested by the hon. Member.

Information on the provision of retirement pensions is contained in the Department's publication "Social Benefit Tables for Member States of the European Community: Position at 1 January 1980", a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

Mr. Colin Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services by what percentage State retirement pensions have increased since May 1978.

Mr. Rossi:

The basic rate of the State retirement pension increased by 55 per cent. between May 1978 and October 1981. The increase due in November this year will bring this up to 69 per cent.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of married women who reached the age of 60 years before 6 April 1979 whose husbands have not reached the age of 65 years and retired, and who were not entitled to a reduced rate retirement pension on their own contributions before marriage because of the "half-test" rule; what would be the cost of waiving the "half-test"rule in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rossi:

On the information which is available, it is estimated that some 150,000 women may be in the situation described. The cost of waiving the "half-test"for these women is estimated to be about £90 million a year. My right hon. Friend has no plans to change existing provisions.

Dr. Edmund Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many women, who have remarried after reaching the age of 60 years, continue to receive retirement pensions as if they were single persons on the strength of their first husband's insurance contributions.

Mr. Rossi:

I regret that the information is not available. In any event, a widow who reaches the age of 60 becomes entitled to a personal retirement pension based upon her own or her late husband's contributions, or a mixture of the two, dependent upon which produces the best rate. This retirement pension is not affected by subsequent remarriage.