§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the percentage increase in pensions in Northern Ireland in each year since May 1979; and how this compares with the cost of living increases in Northern Ireland during the same period.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe following table shows the percentage annual increases in retirement pensions in Northern Ireland from 1979 compared with cost of living increases at each previous May as measured by the United Kingdom retail price index. No separate index for Northern Ireland is maintained.
per cent. Retirement Pension Increase November 1979 19.5 November 1980 16.5 November 1981 9.06 November 1982 11.0 November 1983 3.7 Retail Price Index Increase May 1979 10.3 May 1980 21.9 May 1981 11.7 May 1982 9.5 May 1983 3.7