HC Deb 02 November 1976 vol 918 c546W
Mr. Jay

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of the population of the United Kingdom was in retirement in 1948 and 1975, respectively; and what percentage of the GDP of the United Kingdom was represented by the total expenditure on retirement pensions in the same years.

Mr. Deakins

In 1948, 8.4 per cent. of the total population of the United Kingdom were in receipt of national insurance retirement pensions and expenditure on these pensions represented 2.4 per cent. of the gross domestic product. In 1975, the figures were 14.6 per cent. and 4.8 per cent. respectively.