HC Deb 12 May 1969 vol 783 cc151-2W
30. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate he has made of the annual cost of increasing retirement pensions in the autumn.

Mr. Ennals

The retirement pension increases announced by my right hon. Friend on 15th April will cost about £170 million in a full year, but the total cost of the increases in national insurance benefits will be nearly £250 million in a full year.

51. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated cost to public funds of increasing the retirement pension by 10s. a week in November and of pro rata increases in all other social security benefits.

Mr. Ennals

Rather under £250 million in a full year.

56. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much extra provision on top of the £250 million needed to pay for the pensions increases this autumn he intends to make to take account of the existing imbalance between income and expenditure of the main National Insurance Fund.

Mr. Crossman

I must ask the hon. Member to await the full statement on the forthcoming uprating which will be made as soon as practicable.