§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the purchasing power of the retirement pension in November 1979 compared with February 1974.
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§ Mr. OrmeThe purchasing power of the basic retirement pension in November 1978 was about 20 per cent. higher than in February 1974. I cannot say what the actual purchasing power of the pension will be in November 1979 but the effect of the statutory requirements is that it will be at least equal to that in November 1978.
§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish, from the international sources available to him, the value of the retirement pension in £ sterling in each of the EEC member States, the Scandinavian nations, Switzerland and Austria; and what proportion of average earnings this represents in each case.
§ Mr. OrmeInformation on retirement pension in the member States of the EEC as at 1 January 1978 is given in pages 22 to 30 of "Comparative Social Security Tables" produced by my Department, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. I shall write to the hon. Member with such further information as is available as soon as possible.