§ Mr. LepperTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the pension situation of people with periods of residence in Australia started during the currency of the social security agreement between Australia and the UK who retire permanently in the UK; and when he expects to introduce primary legislation in relation to this group. [31583]
§ Mr. McCartneyArrangements are in place to protect the pension position of those people with periods of residence in Australia who retire permanently in the United Kingdom. Such periods of residence before 6 April 2001 can be converted, if necessary, to qualifying years to enhance the basic retirement pension of these people. We shall be looking to legislate at an early opportunity.
§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the(a) number and (b) proportion of widows in each region and nation who are in receipt of occupational pension payments. [37041]
§ Mr. McCartneyThe information is in the table.
Government office region (a) Number of widows and widowers (b) Percentage in receipt of occupational pension payment North East 217,000 50 North West and Merseyside 413,000 53 York and Humberside 309,000 55 East Midlands 259,000 49 West Midlands 302,000 49 Eastern 289,000 56 London 376,000 50 South East 379,000 59 South West 263,000 51 Wales 219,000 52 Scotland 357,000 53 England 2,807,000 53 Great Britain 3,383,000 53 Source:
Family Resources Survey 2000–01