§ 15. Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the real increase in retirement pensions since 1974; and how this compares with the real increase in the previous three year.
§ Mr. OrmeComparisons of this nature are best made between the dates when pensions are increased. As a result of the five upratings carried out by this Government, between October 1973, when the previous Administration last increased pensions, and November 1977, pensions have increased in real terms by well over 15 per cent. Between November 1969 and October 1973, a comparable period, the real increase was 11.6 per cent.