HC Deb 13 November 1979 vol 973 cc561-2W
Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what figure the retirement pensioners' Christmas bonus would require to be raised to restore its original value; and if it is his intention to grant such an increase.

Mr. Prentice

To restore the value the bonus had in December 1972, when a bonus of £10 was first paid, it would be necessary to increase it to approximately

and 1977–78—the latest year for which figures are available.

£26, on the basis of the movement in the genera] index of retail prices. The Pensioners' Payments and Social Security Act 1979 has already fixed this year's bonus at £10. It is too early to take a decision on the amount of the bonus in future years.