§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware that on 31st October 1972 the average national wage for men was £40 per week and £23 per week for women; and whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a detailed list of figures giving the comparison of pension and other social security payments with national average wages on 31st October 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973.
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§ Mr. DeanThe wage figures quoted are taken from the latest New Earnings Survey, which relates to April 1973 and not to October. The New Earnings Survey covers employees in all occupations in all industries whereas comparison with pension rates is more appropriately made
Average net earnings of full time male manual workers £ per week Standard rates of N.I. benefit Single person Married couple Single Married (no children) Benefit £ per week Percentage of col. (1) Benefit £ per week Percentage of col (2) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) October 1969 … 18.15 19.10 4.50 24.8 7.30 38.2 October 1970 … 19.98 21.09 5.00 25.0 8.10 38.4 October 1971 … 22.18 23.22 6.00 27.1 9.70 41.8 October 1972 … 26.31 27.36 6.75 25.7 10.90 39.8 August 1973* … 28.54 29.61 7.75 27.1 12.50 42.2 * The results of the October 1973 inquiry are not yet available The earnings figure used is the latest available estimate based on the provisional August figure from the monthly index of earnings. The 1973 benefit figures quoted are for retirement pensions and other long-term benefits only.