§ Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much it would cost to uprate the over-80s pension to the level of the basic retirement pension; and how many pensioners would be affected.
§ Mr. RossiThe cost of uprating the over-80s pension to the level of the basic retirement pension at 1982–83 benefit levels is estimated to be £20 million net of savings in supplementary benefit. About 45,000 pensioners would be affected.
§ Mr. Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are in receipt of the additional pension for those over 80 years of age.
§ Mr. NewtonIt is estimated that at May 1982 about 1.6 million retirement pensioners, including pensioners living abroad, were receiving the age addition payable to pensioners over the age of 80.