§ Sir Andrew BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what was the value of the basic state pension as a proportion of gross average earnings in the United Kingdom for each year since 1978.
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe information is in the table.
Standard weekly rate of Category A Retirement Pension expressed as a percentage of all adults average earnings Date Weekly rate £ Percentage of average earnings November 1978 19.50 23.2 November 1979 23.30 23.2 November 1980 27.15 22.6 November 1981 29.60 22.4 November 1982 32.85 23.1 November 1983 34.05 21.7 November 1984 35.08 21.4 November 1985 38.30 214 July 1986 38.70 20.5 April 1987 39.50 19.9 April 1988 41.15 18.8 April 1989 43.60 18.2 April 1990 46.90 17.8 April 1991 52.00 18.3 April 1992 54.15 17.8 April 1993 56.10 17.7 April 1994 57.60 17.7 Notes:
The date shown is that from which the applicable rate became payable.
Average earnings are based on the Employment Department's new earnings survey estimates of all adults earnings as at the relevant dates.
Figures for 1978 to 1993 are taken from the "Abstract of Statistics" published by the Department of Social Security, analytical services division.