HC Deb 15 March 1977 vol 928 cc140-1W
Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list for each member of the EEC all benefits which are indexed, stating whether they are indexed by wages or by prices and the frequency of adjustment of each.

Mr. Orme

I understand that in those EEC countries where adjustment of social security benefits is tied to an index the situation is as shown below. The percentage change in benefit rates is not necessarily the same as that of the relevant index.

Long-term Benefits (generally old-age, invalidity and survivor's pensions)

Belgium Adjusted periodically by monthly price index; and annually, by the general standard of living.

Denmark Adjusted by prices every six months; and by the general economic situation every two years.

France Adjusted by wages every six months.

Italy Adjusted annually by wages and prices.

Luxembourg Adjusted by wages and monthly price index

Netherlands Adjusted by wages every six months.

Short-term Benefits (generally sickness, maternity and unemployment benefits)

Belgium Adjusted periodically by monthly price index.

Denmark Adjusted annually by wages.

France Maximum sickness benefit adjusted annually by wages. Maternity allowance adjusted annually by prices.

Luxembourg Maximum sickness and maternity benefits adjusted annually by wages.

Netherlands Maximum benefits adjusted by wages every six months. In Germany both long-term benefits and short-term benefits are adjusted annually taking account of wages and the overall economic situation. In the United Kingdom short-term benefits are adjusted at least annually and at least in line with movement in prices; long-term benefits are adjusted at least annually and at least in line with prices or earnings, whichever is the more advantageous for beneficiaries.