Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total cost to the Exchequer of all old age pensions and their administration for the last two years?
Mr. YOUNGThe net total cost to the Exchequer of old age pensions, including administration, during the year 1920–21 amounted to £26,058,599, as shown on page 635 of H.C. 10 of 1922. Final figures are not yet available for 1921–22, but the similar charge for that year was estimated at £27,148,803. This provision included the cost of a fifty-third weekly payment which fell due within the year. The actual expenditure will be reduced by the cessation of the charge for Northern Irish pensions as from 22nd November, 1921.