§ Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what is the annual sum involved in the nonpayment of increases since 1946 in retirement pensions to pensioners abroad; how many single men and women will receive 26s., 30s. and 50s., respectively, instead of 57s. 6d. in April; and how many married couples will receive less than 92s. in April.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am afraid that the detailed information asked for is not available and could not be obtained without an undue expenditure of time and money.
But I estimate that, as from the beginning of April, the total cost of raising all pensions paid abroad to the new levels to be paid in this country and in countries where reciprocal agreements so provide would be of the order of £2 million.