HC Deb 11 November 1996 vol 285 cc89-90W
Mr. Alfred Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the level of the (a) invalidity pension in December 1978 and (b) current level of incapacity benefit as a percentage of average earnings. [1415]

Mr. Burt

The information is in the table.

Percentage of average earnings
Basic rate invalidity pension December 1978 123.2
Basic long term rate incapacity benefit August 1996 217.4

Notes:

1Based on average earnings for men aged 21 or over and women aged 18 or over in full time employment.

2Based on average earnings figures for all full time employees.

Source:

New earnings survey, Office of National Statistics.