Mr. Buchanasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how much to date has been paid into the existing graduated pensions scheme; how much has been paid out; and in what year these figures are expected to reach parity.
§ Mr. PentlandIt is estimated that by the end of last month income from graduated contributions and payments in lieu had totalled about £812 million and graduated additions to pension about £1frac12; million; under the pay-as-you-go arrangements the balance has been used184W to help pay for the flat-rate National Insurance benefits. It is not possible to foresee a time when the figures would reach parity.