§ 83. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware of the hardships which the recent increases in the cost of living inflict on state pensioners, particularly old people; and if he will introduce legislation to increase pension rates and to give pensioners other relevant facilities to maintain their living standards.
§ Mr. CrossmanI share my hon. Friend's concern for old people but despite the price increases to which he refers, pensioners still have the advantage of much the greater part of the increase made in October last year. Many of them are, of course, being further helped by the recent increase in supplementary benefits.