HC Deb 25 January 1982 vol 16 cc283-4W
Mr. John

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost of paying retirement pensions, gross and net, to all those of 60 years and older, assuming all those eligible to retire at that age did so.

Mr. Rossi

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. John

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost of providing a weekly pension for married couples equivalent to one half of the weekly average earnings and one third of weekly average earnings for a single person.

Mr. Rossi

At September 1981, average gross weekly earnings for male adult full-time workers, as derived from the new earnings survey, were close to £150 a week. On this basis the cost of increasing pensions and other long-term benefits as proposed would be £11½ billion in a full year.