§ Mr. Marlowasked the Minister for the Civil Service what is her assessment of the reasons why Civil Service pension payments have increased from less than 8 per cent. of payment costs in 1961–62 to over 18 per cent. in 1981–82; and whether she has comparative figures for (a) the private sector of industry, (b) all other occupations and (c) all occupations excluding the Civil Service.
§ Mr. HayhoeA detailed assessment has not been made, but the number of pensioners, including widows and other dependants, has gone up over the period from 200,000 to 380,000—by 90 per cent.—while staff in post, excluding Post Office staffs, have increased by less than 10 per cent.; basic benefits were brought up-to-date in 1972; and the average length of service reckoning for benefits has increased. Comparative figures for the private sector or for other occupations outside the Civil Service are not available.