§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what he estimates would be the cost to his Department of adding £3 per week to the pensions of pensioners over 75 years of age;
(2) what he estimates would be the cost of adding £5 per week to the state pension for a single pensioner at current prices;
(3) how much he estimates it would cost his Department to increase the pension for a married couple by £8 per week at current prices;
(4) how much it would cost his Department to provide every pensioner aged 75 years and over with £10 per week extra at 1990–91 prices.
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§ Mrs. Gillian Shephard[holding answers 5 June and 12 June 1990]: The estimated gross and net costs with the accompanying estimated savings in income-related benefits for each of the additions is shown in the table.
Addition Estimated gross cost £ billion Estimated net cost £ billion Estimated savings in income related benefits £ billion £3 per week to all pensioners over 75 0.61 0.42 0.20 £5 per week to single pensioners 1.15 0.73 0.43 £8 per week to married couple pensioners 1.37 1.10 0.26 £10 per week to any pensioner aged 75 or over 2.03 1.50 0.53 Note: Costs shown use 1990–91 benefit rates.