§ Mr. Clemitsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what was the total sum by which retirement pensions were reduced due to their recipients being in hospital for more than eight weeks, in each of the past five years for which figures are available;
(2) what was the total sum by which widows' benefits were reduced due to their recipients being in hospital for more than eight weeks, in each of the past five years for which figures are available;
(3) what was the total sum by which non-contributory retirement pensions for people over 80 years of age were reduced due to their recipients being in hospital for more than eight weeks, in each of the past five years for which figures are available;
(4) what was the total number of recipients of retirement pensioners who suffered a reduction in their pension due to their being in hospital for more than 575W eight weeks, in each of the past five years for which figures are available;
(5) what was the total number of recipients of widows' benefits who suffered a reduction in their benefit due to their being in hospital for more than eight weeks, in each of the past five years for which figures are available;
(6) what was the total number of recipients of non-contributory retirement pensions for people aged over 80 years who suffered a reduction in their benefit due to their being in hospital for more
Estimated annual reduction (£ million) Estimate average number at any one time (thousands) Retirement pension Old persons' pension Widow's benefit Retirement pension Old persons' pension Widow's benefit 1973–74 20 1 ½ 80 5½ 1 1974–75 26 1 ½ 80 5 1 1975–76 35 1½ ½ 85 5 1 1976–77 40 1½ ½ 85 4½ 1 1977–78 47 1½ ½ 85 4½ 1