§ Mr. NellistTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the current value of the £10 pensioners Christmas bonus, as in 1972 prices; and what is the value in 1988 prices, had the bonus been uprated by(a) the rise in the retail prices index and (b) average earnings since its introduction.
§ Mr. Peter LloydIt is not yet possible to determine the real value of the 1988 Christmas bonus as compared with the 1972 bonus. If it had been increased in line with prices since its introduction it would have been worth £45.93 at December 1987. If increased in line with average male manual earnings, the 1987 bonus would have been worth £52.78.