§ Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the expenditure in 1974–75 on the pensions of health service employees in England, Wales and Scotland; and what is the estimated expenditure for 1975–76.
§ Mr. MeacherIn England and Wales the provisional gross expenditure in 1974–75—ignoring receipts by way of contributions—on pensions and lump sum benefits for retired health service employees and their dependants was £77.3 million and the estimate for 1975–76 is £116.8 million.
I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland that the figures for Scotland are £8.7 million and £13.5 million respectively.