§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services at what level each of the following benefits would be (a) now and (b) after 23 November 1981 if they took into account fully the rate of inflation since May 1979 (a) basic retirement pension, single and married couple, (b) unemployment benefit, single and married couple, (c) child benefit, (d) invalidity benefit, single and married couple and (e) supplementary benefit for person living alone, ordinary and long-term.
§ Mr. RossiIf the benefits in question had been increased in November 1979 and November 1980 in each case in line with the actual increase in prices since the previous up rating—with no addition to make good the November 1978 shortfall—and if they were to be increased in November 1981 in line with the forecast increase in prices of 10 per cent. from November 1980 to November 1981, the rates would be as follows:
322W
November 1980 £ November 1981 £ Retirement pension: single person 26.45 29.10 married couple 42.35 46.60 Unemployment benefit: single person 21.35 23.50 married couple 34.55 38.00 Child benefit (increased April 1979 5.15 5.65 Invalidity benefit: single person 26.45 29.10 married couple 42.35 46.60 Supplementary benefit (Person living alone) Ordinary rate 21.10 23.20 Long-term rate 26.95 29.65 These figures are based on movements in the general index of retail prices as published by the Department of Employment.