HC Deb 29 November 1988 vol 142 cc181-2W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many retirement pensions are paid out nationally.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

As at 31 March 1988 approximately 9.8 million people were in receipt of basic state retirement pension.

Sir Ian Gilmour

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his latest estimate of the cost of abolishing the pensioner earnings rule.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The annual cost of abolition of the earnings rule would be about £250 million gross, before taking account of tax effects.

Mr. Jack

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in the following age ranges currently receive a full basic state pension: 60 to 65 years, 65 to 70 years, 70 to 75 years, 75 to 80 years, 80 to 85 years, 85 to 90 years and 90 years and over, identifying whether they are married or single.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The information requested is as follows:

Numbers in receipt of full basic state pension at 31 March 1988
Aged Numbers
60–64 1719,840
65–69 2,241,140
70–74 2,003,720
75–79 1,706,150
80–84 1,087,660
85–89 509,990
90 and over 204,330
1 Women only.

Information relating to marital status is not available.