§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the reduction in real terms of the State retirement pension between the Budget and the date at which the pensions are to be increased; and how he intends to make compensation.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe increases in retirement pensions and other long-term benefits, which my right hon. Friend announced on 13 June—[Vol. 968; c. 437–58]—take account of the expected movement in the general level of prices between November 1978, when the present rates of pension were introduced, and November 1979, when the increases will take effect. The rates to be introduced in November should, therefore, result in no loss of value in real terms.