§ 43. Mrs. Bainasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will take steps to ensure that pensioners will be able to meet increased fuel costs this winter.
§ Mr. MeacherRetirement pensions and other benefits were increased last month for the third time in 18 months, and pensions are now over 70 per cent. higher in cash terms than they were in October 1973. As the retail price index—which includes an element for fuel costs—increased by 47.4 per cent. between October 1973 and October 1975, it is clear that pensions are keeping well ahead of prices. Extra heating additions paid under the supplementary benefits scheme were also increased last month by more than a third.