§ 57. Mr. Llewellynasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many pensioners in Cardiff have not yet 95W sent in their books to be stamped with the new rates of pensions; and how, in terms of purchasing power, these rates now compare with those existing in October, 1951, taking into account any subsequent increase in the cost of living.
§ Mr. PeakeI regret that the information requested in the first part of the Question is not available. As regards the second part, after taking into account the change in the Retail Prices' Index, the new standard rates of 40s. (single person) and 65s. (married couple) are worth about 16 per cent. more than were the 30s. and 50s. rates introduced in October, 1951, for the older pensioners. They are worth about 36 per cent. more than were the 26s. and 42s. which then remained in force for the younger pensioners.