§ 70. Mr. Kaufmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services by how much the purchasing power of the retirement pension for a single person and a married couple, respectively, has declined since the last increase in retirement pensions in November, 1969, and since 18th June, 1970, respectively.
§ Mr. DeanAs measured by the General Index of Retail Prices for February, 1971, the decline in purchasing power of retirement pensions, at November, 1969, and June, 1970, prices respectively is as follows:
November, 1969 June, 1970 Amount of decline Percentage decline Amount of decline Percentage decline £ £ £ £ Single person rate 0.48 9.7 0.27 5.3 Married couple rate 0.78 9.7 0.43 5.3
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now give an undertaking that the next increase in retirement pensions will include provision for a substantial increase in the living standards of such pensioners.
§ Mr. DeanWe shall fulfil our pledge to ensure that pensions at least maintain their purchasing power and that pensioners' living standards are properly protected.