HL Deb 09 May 1988 vol 496 cc960-1WA
Lord Erroll of Hale

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why, in respect of national insurance retirement pensions paid monthly, the lunar month and not the calendar month is used.

Lord Skelmersdale

Retirement pension is not calculated on a monthly basis, whether lunar or calendar. Calculations are made on a weekly basis with a set pay day. Payment is then made weekly or in multiples thereof. This enables a pensioner to make a simple calculation of the amount due and ensures that if an alteration of the amount due is needed, the change can be effected quickly.