§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the extra cost of raising the basic retirement pension in November 1982 from the new levels which have been announced to one half average gross earnings for a married couple and one-third average gross earnings for a single pensioner.
§ Mr. RossiThe cost at 1982–83 pension levels would depend on the level of average earnings at that time. The latest available estimate remains that given in my reply to the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Mr. John) on 25 January.—[Vol. 16, c.283–84].
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the net cost of lowering the male retirement age to 60 years of age at the new pension rates due to come into effect in November 1982 at estimated November 1982 price levels.
§ Mr. RossiThe revision of the estimate included in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Horsham and Crawley (Mr. Hordern) on 19 November 1981—[Vol. 13, c.230–31]—will be undertaken later this year, at which time I shall write to my hon. Friend.