HC Deb 20 December 1983 vol 51 cc204-5W
Mr. Simon Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the economic constraints which prevent the conclusion of a bilateral agreement with Canada which would allow British pensioners living there to have their pension uprated.

Dr. Boyson

It is estimated that to pay British pensions in Canada at the rates which would be payable in this country would cost an extra £32 million a year at 1983 rates. Additional resources on this scale cannot be made available in the present economic situation.