HC Deb 10 March 1969 vol 779 cc219-20W
83. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the relationship of the present retirement pension to that payable in 1948, having regard to the increase in the cost of living.

Mr. Ennals

The current retirement pension rates of £4 10s. (single) and £7 6s. (married) exceeded the January, 1969, value of the corresponding 1948 rates by £1 14s. and £2 15s. 6d. respectively. Calculated by reference to the change in the Index of Retail Prices, the January, 1969, equivalents of the 1948 rates of £1 6s. (single) and £2 2s. (married) were £2 16s. and £4 10s. 6d. respectively.