§ Mr. ChurchillTo ask the Prime Minister how many representations he has received in the most recent 12 months for which figures are available calling for the 3W unfreezing of the British state pensions of those pensioners living in countries where annual upratings are not made by the Department of Social Security; and what is the explanation for the discrimination against such pensioners.
§ The Prime MinisterIn the last 12 months, I have received representations from the Governments of Australia and Canada. I have also received numerous letters from pensioners overseas.
It would cost an additional £230 million a year to uprate British pensions worldwide. In view of the continued need to contain public expenditure, we have no plans to change this long-standing policy.