§ Mr. Christopher Hawkinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list for each year since its introduction (a) the value of the Christmas bonus for pensioners and (b) the cumulative increase in the retail price index.
§ Mr. MajorThe level of the Christmas bonus has been £10 in each year since its introduction in 1972, except in 1975 and 1976 when it was not paid. The cumulative percentage increase in the retail price index for each year since December 1972 is shown in the table.
December Per cent. 1973 10.6 1974 31.7 1975 64.5 1976 89.3 1977 112.3 1978 130.1 1979 169.8 1980 210.6 1981 248.0 1982 266.8 1983 286.3 1984 304.0 1985 327.0 1986 342.9