§ 40. Mr. Willeyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the percentage increase in the retirement pension compared with the pension a year ago; and what are the percentage increases in the cost of living and average earnings, respectively, for the same period.
§ Mr. O'MalleyThe current rates of retirement pension are higher by 33 per cent. for a single person and 32.5 per cent. for a married couple than in November 1974. Since that date the retail price index increased by 23.7 per cent. up to October 1975 and average earnings increased by 18.4 per cent. up to September 1975*, the latest dates for which figures are available.
* Provisional estimate of average earnings of adult male full-time manual workers in manufacturing and certain other industries.