§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the increments given to single men who defer retirement for the full five years compensate actuarially for the loss of five years' pension on the assumption that pensions and prices each rise by 10 per cent. a year.
§ Mr. RossiNo. Increments accrue on a uniform scale for everyone, which, at approximately 7½ per cent. per annum, represents on average actuarial return for all persons deferring retirement. However, when the increased pension is payable to a woman, or in the case of a married man, continues in payment to his widow, the greater longevity of women means that the increments have a higher value than in the case of a single man.