§ Q116. Sir David Priceasked the Prime Minister what has been the improvement in real terms in the rates of retirement pensions since 1979, taking into account the new rates which came into effect on 6 April.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government's policy is pledged to protect pensions and linked long-term benefits against inflation. The uprating which came into effect on 6 April is fully in line with this policy, and reflects the rise in prices between January and September 1986. It will not be possible to calculate the precise real term increase in the rate of retirement pensions until the retail prices index for April is announced in mid-May.