§ Mr. Robert Sheldonasked the Lord Privy Seal what would be the cost of (a) doubling and (b) trebling the statutory entitlement of former Members of the House from the House of Commons Members Fund for those aged over 65 years, over 70 years and over 75 years, respectively.
§ Mr. BiffenThe annual extra costs of(a) doubling and (b) trebling the payments at present made to former Members of the House from the House of Commons Members' Fund under the provisions of the House of Commons Members' Fund and Parliamentary Pensions Act 1981 for those over 65 years, over 70 years and over 75 years, respectively, would be as follows:
Over 65 years Over 70 years Over 75 years £ £ £ Doubling payments 76,000 70,000 51,000 Trebling payments 152,000 140,000 102,000