§ 31. Ms. Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present value of the basic pension for a single person as a percentage of average earnings; and what will be the corresponding figure in the year 2030 on the assumptions made in the statistical annex to the White Paper, "Reform of Social Security".
§ Mr. ScottAt estimated April 1987 figures, the basic pension for a single person is about 21 per cent. of gross average male manual workers' earnings. If earnings increased consistently by 14 per cent. a year more than prices, and pensions were increased only in line with prices throughout the next 43 years, the proportion would be 11 per cent. in 2030.
§ 36. Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will bring forward legislation to amend the rules for entitlement to full pension for women who marry prior to their 60th birthday to receive a full pension at the age of 60.
§ Mr. ScottWhere a married or single woman has retirement pension entitlement on her own contributions,72W this can be received from age 60 if she satisfies the condition of retirement. Women whose pension entitlement derives from their husbands' contributions cannot receive a pension until they are 60 and the husband has reached the age of 65 and retired. We have no plans to change these rules, which have existed since the start of the national insurance scheme.