HC Deb 24 July 2000 vol 354 c427W
Mr. Gareth Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the number of pensioners expressed as a percentage of the total number of pensioners who are entirely dependent upon the state old age pension and means tested benefits(a) for the UK and (b) for Wales. [131601]

Mr. Rooker

Estimates for Great Britain and Wales for 1997–98 (the latest year for which information is available) are as follows:

In 1997–98, 9 per cent. of pensioners in Great Britain were entirely dependent on State Retirement Pension and/or means-tested benefits for their income. In Wales, the proportion was 12 per cent.

Source:

Family Resources Survey 1997–98