§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the percentage increase in benefits awarded since 1965 to (a) the unemployed and (b) retirement pensioners.
§ Dr. BoysonThe full rate of unemployment benefit for a person under pensionable age has risen by576 per cent. The retirement pension for a single person has risen by 751 per cent.: for a married couple by 738 per cent.
§ Sir Brandon Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the net cost of earnings-related benefits in 2000–01 and 2010–11, deducting from the Government Actuary's estimates of £2.6 billion and £4.9 billion the likely savings in supplementary benefit and housing benefit, and the extra income tax accruing, using the same prices, earnings, and benefit up-rating assumptions as in the Government Actuary's first quinquennial review, but assuming that rents and rates increase on average by (a) 0 per cent., (b) 5 per cent. and (c) 10 per cent. faster than the retail price index.
§ Dr. BoysonThis information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate expense.