§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether it is the Government's intention to restore the third Monday in November as the normal date for increasing future social security benefits.
§ Mr. PrenticeAs my right hon. Friend announced on 27 March in his statement to the House—[Vol. 981, c. 1658–78.]—it is intended that benefits should be increased this year with effect from the week beginning 24 November, under the provisions of clause 1(3) of the Social Security Bill, currently before Parliament. The date in future years will be for decision in the light of those provisions and of the circumstances at the time.