HC Deb 25 February 1964 vol 690 cc60-1W
Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, taking the gross national product and income as being equal to 100 in 1951 and the average wage level in industry then as 100, what has been the annual percentage rise in retirement pensions compared with the percentage rise in the gross national product, gross national income and the average wage level to date.

Mrs. Thatcher

The following table gives the information:

whether, taking 1951 as equalling 100, he will give the annual percentage rise or fall in numbers drawing National Assistance benefit.

Mrs. Thatcher

The figures for December of each year are as follows:

1951 100
1952 114
1953 121
1954 123
1955 110
1956 113
1957 117
1958 113
1959 121
1960 127
1961 126
1962 137
1963 135