§ 57. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the level of retirement pension for a single person and a married couple on 9 March had it been increased in line with provisions in force prior to the passing of the Social Security Act 1980.
Number of pensioners (Thousands) Cost of contributory retirement pension Date Men Women Total (£ million) December 1960 1,846 3,718 5,563 677 December 1965 2,121 4,236 6,357 1,238 December 1970 2,554 4,808 7,363 1,778 November 1975 2,855 5,293 8,149 4,791 November 1978 3,069 5,533 8,602 7,593 November 1979 3,133 5,617 8,750 8,814 November 1980 3,175 5,743 8,918 10,541 The proportion of the increase in numbers that is due to higher longevity is just over one-tenth and the proportion that is due to changes in the birth rate is about one-third; the balance is due to the increase in the number of persons becoming entitled to contributory pensions under the 1946 and subsequent legislation.