§ 48. Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of recent price increases, what representations he has received in favour of raising the retirement pension by £5 per week.
§ 55. Mr. Gorstasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will extend the principle of selective assistance for those with the greatest need by introducing additional retirement pensions for those over the age of 75 years or any higher age group before the normal two-year review date for all retirement 303W pensions has been reached, in view of recent price increases which primarily affect the elderly.
§ Sir K. JosephNo. We have already announced that we shall be making provision in this year's review for these non-pensioners over 80, now and in the future, who were not covered by the National Insurance Act, 1970.
60. Mr. Bob Brownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will hold a national spot survey of elderly people living alone in order to establish nutritional standards prior to deciding upon the amount of the pension increase required to prevent malnutrition claiming the lives of many old people.
§ Mr. AlisonElderly people living alone were included in the survey referred to in my reply to the hon. Member's Question on 24th November, 1970.—[Vol. 807, c.70.]