§ 39. Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate what rates the pension would be payable now to a single person and to a married couple if pensions had risen in line with average earnings since May 1979.
§ Dr. BoysonThe rates of pension payable in May 1979 were those introduced in November 1978. If they had been428W increased in line with the index of average earnings—whole economy, seasonally adjusted—since November 1978 the rates payable from November 1982 would have been £33.10 for a single person and £52.95 for a married couple. Although the comparable earnings index for November 1983 will not be available until mid-January 1984, the pension rates would have been £35.20 and £56.30 respectively if based on the index for September 1983.