§ 60. Mr. Hollandasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will take steps to restore to their original value the non-contributory benefits paid to those over 80 years of age who were unable to qualify for the contributory State pension.
366Wexpress the total as a percentage of all employees.
§ Mr. John FraserThe current series of the unemployment statistics started in 1948. The following table shows information for each October from that year.
§ Mr. Alec JonesThe hon. Member is mistaken in thinking that the old person's pension has not maintained its original value. Taking into account the changes in retail prices, the pension is about one-third higher in real value than in November 1970, when it was introduced. And, since September 1971, an age allowance of 25p has been payable in addition to all persons over 80. As my right hon. Friend announced on 13th November—[Vol. 881, c. 417]—the pension will be increased again in April next, from £3.70 to £4.30 for a married woman and from £6 to £6.90 for any other person.