HC Deb 15 January 1985 vol 71 c110W
26. Mr. Sackville

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total number of retirement pensioners in the United Kingdom for 1970 and for the latest year available; and what was the total amount paid in retirement pensions in both years.

Mr. Whitney

In 1970 there were 7,531,000 retirement pensioners resident in the United Kingdom. In 1983, the latest year for which figures are available, there were 9,223,000. The total amount paid in retirement pension in the financial year 1970–71 was £1,824 million and in the financial year 1983–84 £14,976 million. These costs include pensions paid to United Kingdom pensioners resident abroad.