§ 79. Mrs. Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to raise retirement pensions before the onset of winter.
§ Mr. SwinglerNo, for the reason I have given earlier today.
§ Mrs. Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what annual reviews of the adequacy of the retirement pensions have been carried out since 1966; what form each annual review took; when was the last review; and if he will ensure that each future review covers the various nations of Great Britain and inquires as to the extent to which retirement pensioners are able to feed, clothe and heat themselves adequately.
§ Mr. SwinglerAll the factors which help to determine the rates of retirement pension are kept under constant review and the hon. Member should not overlook that at current rates pensions are worth in real terms about 14 per cent. more than those in payment in October 1964.