§ Mrs. BeckettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security by how much the pensioner's earnings limit has changed since November 1978 in(a) cash terms, (b) real terms and (c) as a percentage of average earnings; and whether he will increase it in April 1989.
§ Mr. Peter LloydSince November 1978 the pensioner's earnings limit has increased in cash terms by £30 to £75. In real terms there has been a decrease of £20. In November414W 1978 the pensioner's earnings limit was 51.5 per cent. of average male manual workers' earnings. In September 1988 the percentage was 36.4.
The Secretary of State has a statutory duty to review the earnings limit every year. We shall not be increasing it in April 1989.