§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Social Services whether, in view of the fact that a person can obtain as much as £40 per week from supplementary assistance for which he has not contributed, whereas a retired person who has paid for his pension only receives £13.30p for himself and £21.20p if married, he will put retirement pensions on the same basis as supplementary allowances.
§ Mr. OrmeNo. Retirement pensions are paid to all who satisfy the necessary conditions, irrespective of their financial circumstances, whereas the rate of supplementary allowances is based on the claimant's requirements and resources. A retirement pensioner whose requirements, measured in the prescribed way, exceed his resources may receive supplementary benefit in addition to his pension.
§ Mr. Newtonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services of he will state for each of the last five years how many persons have been denied payment of pension for a period for which they would otherwise have been entitled to such payment, as a result of failing to claim at the appropriate time.
§ Mr. OrmeI regret that the information is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.