§ 16. Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the latest estimates for the cost of providing optional pensionable retirement for men at the age of 60 and 62 years, respectively.
§ Dr. BoysonThe latest available estimates based on 1981–82 benefit levels, indicate that the net cost to central Government funds would be £2.5 billion and £1.2 billion per annum respectively. Estimates based on 1983–84 benefit levels are in the course of preparation.
§ 35. Mr. Tim Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on his proposals for increases in pensions and other social security benefits to take effect in November 1983.
§ 39. Sir Anthony Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what will be the level of retirement pension for single and for married pensioners after the next uprating.
§ 45. Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the amount of the increases in pensions and other benefits in 1983.
§ 53. Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the level of retirement pensions expected at the November uprating.
§ Dr. BoysonI refer my hon. Friends and the hon. Members to the statement made by my right hon. Friend, in the House on Thursday 23 June 1983—[Vol. 44, c. 162–73.]
§ 37. Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he remains satisfied that the method of uprating the retirement pension will keep it in line with inflation and trends in average earnings.
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§ Dr. BoysonI am satisfied that we will maintain our pledge to protect retirement pension against inflation. In doing so, we will have regard to the actual movement of prices from May to May each year and not to a forecast which in past years has proved both unreliable and a cause of undue worry and uncertainty to pensioners.