§ Mr. FlookTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners who receive the basic state pension live together as man and wife but claim two single pension entitlements; what estimate he has made of the additional cost to the Exchequer of such claims compared with the cost if such people claimed only the married persons' entitlement; and if he will make a statement. [150602]
§ Malcolm WicksAn individual's entitlement to state pension depends on the national insurance contributions paid during his or her working life. however, for married couples, provision is made for a spouse to become entitled to a state pension based on the other spouse's national insurance contributions. There is no such thing as married persons' entitlements. Therefore, we are unable to provide the information requested.