HC Deb 10 February 1987 vol 110 cc192-3W
21. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services by how many the total number of pensioners eligible for state pension has changed since 1979; and what this change represents as a percentage of the total cost of the state pension.

Mr. Major

There are about 1 million more retirement pensioners now than in November 1978. This increase accounts for nearly 11 per cent. of total spending on state retirement pension in the current financial year.