HC Deb 14 November 1988 vol 140 cc451-2W
Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish a table showing the current level of retirement pension for a single pensioner and a pensioner couple if uprated by prices or earnings, whichever was the higher, each year since 1980.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The information requested is as follows:

Single pensioner £ Pensioner couple £
November 1980 43.00 68.85
November 1981 43.48 69.60
November 1982 45.17 72.32
November 1983 46.75 74.86
November 1984 46.80 74.93
November 1985 48.29 77.32
July 1986 49.60 79.40
April 1987 50.15 80.29
April 1988 52.04 83.31

Mrs. Beckett

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the value of the basic retirement pension for a single person and a married couple in 1958 and November 1979, at April 1988 prices.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The information requested is as follows:

Single pensioner £ Pensioner couple £
11958 21.75 34.80
11979 40.91 65.50
1 At April 1988 prices.

Mr. Paice

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his latest estimate of the percentage of people retiring now who will receive, in addition to the basic state pension (a) a state earnings-related pension and (b) an occupational pension.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

Of the people retiring in the six months ending 31 March 1988, approximately 55 per cent. were in receipt of a state earnings-related pension. Information regarding occupational pensions is not available.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when, pursuant to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's remarks of 7 November,Official Report, columns 21–27, he will give details about help to pensioners, the net cost of the new scheme, estimates as to how many pensioners will benefit, what extra cash benefit they will receive and when the new scheme will start.

Mr. Gordon Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners will be covered by his new proposal announced on 7 November,Official Report, columns 21–27.

Mr. Scott

I confirm that extra resources will be available to help poorer pensioners. Details of the proposals are under consideration. We shall make an announcement in due course.