§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the latest official figures published showing that the retail price index is rising at the rate of 9.6 per cent. per annum, he remains satisfied that the proposed increase in pensions will result in an improvement in purchasing power; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeanThe hon. Member has misunderstood the figures. In the year ended February, 1972, the rise in the General Index of Retail Prices was 8.1per cent. We are satisfied that the proposed increases will give a real improvement which should prove to be more substantial than last year.