§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what representations he has received seeking the uprating of pensions at a rate above that of the retail price index;
(2) what recent representations he has received urging the uprating of pensions at the same time as the change in the retail price index which has led to the uprating;
(3) what recent representations he has received urging the wider publicising of benefits available to pensioners;
(4) what recent representations he has received seeking the abolition of the earnings rule for pensioners;
(5) what recent representations he has received regarding the level of Christmas bonus to pensioners;
(6) what recent representations he has received regarding the level of heating allowances for pensioners;
(7) what recent representations he has received seeking the uprating of pensions more often than once a year;
(8) what recent representations he has received seeking a statement of his policy towards the declaration of intent by the national pensioners' convention;
(9) what recent representations he has received seeking the abolition of public utility standing charges for pensioners;
(10) what recent representations he has received urging the use of the pensioners retail price index for the uprating of pensions;
383W(11) what recent representations he has received urging the introduction of a national scheme of concessionary facilities on public transport for pensioners.
§ Mr. RossiMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services receives an average of about 40 representations a week from right hon. and hon. Members on behalf of various individuals and organisations, and about 60 a week from individuals and organisations, covering all aspects of pensions and related matters, including those referred to by my hon. Friend. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend met with representatives from the national pensioners' convention on 1 March, and he met representatives from the national federation of old age pensions associations—pensioners' voice—on 23 February, when these and other matters of concern to pensioners were discussed.