§ Mr. Tim Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what was the total increase in social security costs in real terms at January of the current year, expressed as a percentage increase over January 1974;
(2) what was the total increase in pension costs at January of the current year expressed as a percentage increase in real terms over January 1974.
§ Mr. OrmeI regret that figures are not available on the basis requested, but, as stated in Cmnd. 7439,"The Government's Expenditure Plans 1979–80 to 1982–83", table 2.12, pages 148–149, at constant 1978 survey prices, expenditure rose between 1973–74 and 1978–79 by just over 30 per cent, on retirement pensions and by almost 33 per cent, on the whole of the social security programme.