§ Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent representations he has received from organisations representing retirement pensioners concerning the need for pensions 511W to be linked to average national earnings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephThe London Trade Unions and Old Age Pensioners Joint Committee wrote to me recently about its proposals for linking retirement pensions with average earnings. The Government are committed to reviewing pensions annually to ensure that they at least keep pace with the rise in the cost of living. They have also undertaken that, if inflation can be curbed, pensioners will share in the increased prosperity of the country.