§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will publish a regional breakdown of the 35 million annual reduction in retirement pensions due to hospitalisation of retirement pensioners.
§ Mr. MeacherI regret that the information for which my hon. Friend has asked is not available.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much of the 521W £35 million annual reduction in retirement pensions is due to periods of hospitalisation of more than eight weeks and 52 weeks, respectively.
§ Mr. MeacherOn the available data, it is estimated that, at the benefit rates due to come into force in November, the savings to the National Insurance Fund are £8 million in respect of periods from eight to 52 weeks in hospital and £32 million in respect of periods of over 52 weeks in hospital.