§ Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the purchasing power of the State retirement pension now; and what was the comparable figure at the same date in 1975.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe standard rate of retirement pension rose to £15.30 (single) and £24.50 (married) on 15th November. In cash terms these rates were 15.0 per cent. (single) and 15.6 per cent. (married) higher than those introduced a year earlier. The figures are not yet available from which to measure the rise in prices between November 1975 and November304W 1976, but, up to October 1976, it was 13.4 per cent.