HC Deb 21 October 1985 vol 84 c53W
Mr. Nellist

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to uprate the Christmas bonus for senior citizens for payment in 1985.

Mr. Major

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Edmonton (Dr. Twinn) on 16 April at column163 by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.

Mr. Nellist

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the value of the Christmas bonus for senior citizens, had it been uprated by either the movement in average earnings or the retail price index, since its inception.

Mr. Major

If the Christmas bonus had been revalued in line with the movement in(a) average earnings (1) or (b) the retail price index (2) it would now have been worth £47.72 or £42.33 respectively.

Notes

(1) Based on the Index of Average Earnings (whole economy: seasonally adjusted) for May 1985.

(2) May 1985.