HC Deb 04 November 1969 vol 790 cc118-9W
Mr. Fortescue

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the total cost of retirement pensions in 1972–73 on the basis of the present scheme, assuming a 10s. per week increase in the single person's pension and a 16s. per week increase in the married couple's pension in 1971; and what is his estimate of the total cost in 1982–83 and 1992–93 on the basis of the present scheme, assuming similar increases at two-yearly intervals.

Mr. Ennals

Leaving aside various likely consequences, the estimated cost would be of the following order:

£ million
1972–73 1982–83 1992–93
2,060 3,300 4,500

Mr. Fortescue

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the total cost of retirement pensions in 1972–73 on the basis of the present scheme, assuming a 20s. per week increase in the single person's pension and a 32s. per week increase in the married couple's pension in 1971 ; and what is his estimate of the total cost in 1982–83 and 1992–93 on the basis of the present scheme assuming the above increases at two-yearly intervals until 1981, and increases of 10s. and 16s. per week, respectively, at two-yearly intervals thereafter.

Mr. Ennals

Leaving aside various likely consequences, the estimated costs would he of the following order :

£ million
1972–73 1982–83 1992–93
2,240 4,500 5,700