§ Miss Lestorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the value of national insurance pensions as a percentage of average earnings for each year since 1948.
§ Mr. DeanI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 26th April, 1971. The average earnings figure for October, 1971 is not yet available.—[Vol. 816, c.39–40.]
§ Mr. Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services by what amount the purchasing power of the retirement pension has been reduced since 21st September.
§ Mr. DeanAs measured by the movement in the General Index of Retail196W Prices between September, 1971 and October, 1971, the purchasing power of the retirement pension for a single person has fallen by 3p (0.6 per cent.). The corresponding reduction for a married couple is 6p (0.6 per cent.).