§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he has taken, or intends taking, during 1972 to increase all social welfare benefits to the level of those paid in the countries of the Six generally, and those of the highest paid in particular; and to what 267W extent he estimates the total costs of welfare benefits will rise on this basis.
§ Sir K. JosephI have already announced in the House, on 16th December, 1971, that pensions and related benefits will be increased in October of this year. As to the comparison with benefit levels in European Economic Community countries, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. William Price) on 18th January, 1972.—[Vol. 829, c.123.]