§ Mr. Leighasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimate for 1990 of the percentage of the population who will be of pensionable age; and what will be the consequences for public expenditure of this projection.
§ Dr. BoysonOn the mid-1981 based principal projection, 18.5 per cent. of the population of Great Britain will be of pensionable age in 1990. The consequences for public expenditure on pensions are discussed in "Population, Pension Costs and Pensioners' Incomes: a Background Paper for the Inquiry into Provision for Retirement" published by the Department on 16 June. A copy has been placed in the Library.