HC Deb 01 December 1965 vol 721 cc222-3W
Mr. Howe

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what estimate she has made of the number of retirement pensioners and of children for whom family allowances will be payable in 1970 and of the total cost in the year 1969–70 of paying the benefits currently payable in respect of national insurance, industrial injuries insurance, war pensions, National Assistance and family allowances.

Miss Herbison

Nearly 7 million retirement pensions; over 7 million children for whom family allowances are paid; and about £2,533 million as the total cost of the payments specified by the hon. and learned Gentleman, including their administration. These estimates are given in Chapter 22 (paragraph 3) of the National Plan.

Mr. Howe

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what estimate she has made of the extra annual expenditure involved in securing real increases of 10 per cent. and 20 per cent., respectively, in the value of benefits payable in 1969–70 in respect of national insurance, industrial injuries insurance, war pensions, National Assistance and family allowances.

Miss Herbison

£218 million and £436 million, respectively.