§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table comparing in £ sterling terms the State funded retirement pension for single persons and married couples, respectively, for the most recent available year, in Austria, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. RossiThe most recent information available to me indicates that only Finland and Denmark of the countries inquired about do not calculate old age pensions wholly or in part as a proportion of past earnings. In addition, provisions for calculating old age pensions—for example, dynamisation—are likely to differ from one country to another.
Austria
Old age pensions are wholly related to past earnings; maximum pension cannot exceed 79.5 per cent. of covered earnings.Finland
From 1 April 1982, the annual rate of old age pension, including means-tested supplement for single persons with no dependent child, increased to £1,709* (15,864 F Mk): the rate for married couples is not readily available.Denmark
From 1 October 1982, the annual rates of old age pension including means-tested supplement for single persons and married couples were increased to £2,425 (36,528 DKr) and £4,569 (68,808 DKr) respectively.Norway
From 1 May 1982, the annual minimum rates of old age pension for single persons and married couples were increased to £2,632 (32,088 NKr) and £4,270 (52,054 NKr) respectively. In addition, earnings-related pension may be payable.Sweden
From 1 January 1982, the annual rates of basic old age pension for single persons and married couples were increased to £1,352 (16,910 SKr) and £2,205 (27,590 SKr) respectively. In addition, earnings-related pension may be payable.Switzerland
From 1 January 1982, the minimum annual rates of basic old age pension for single persons and married couples were increased to £1,612 (SFrs 5,952) and £2,418 (SFrs 8,928), respectively. In addition, earnings-related pension may be payable.United Kingdom
From 22 November 1982 the annual rates of old age pension for single persons and married couples will be increased to £1,718† and £2,748† respectively. In addition, earnings-related pension may be payable.* All currency conversions based on rates of exchange reported for 1 November 1982.† Annual rates calculated by multiplying, by 52.3, the weekly rates.