HC Deb 10 December 1958 vol 597 cc85-6W
Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance when he plans to increase old-age pensions in proportion to the increase in the cost of living as compared with that obtaining at the time when they were fixed at the present rate.

Miss Pitt

As the Index of Retail Prices is only just over 1 per cent. higher than in January, when the present pension rates became payable, and as their value in real terms is and has been since then substantially higher than at any previous date, it appears that the hon. and learned Gentleman's question is based upon a misapprehension.