§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement about the percentage of gross domestic product devoted to pensioners; and what is the percentage in other countries.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe latest information available indicates that in 1983 spending on the elderly in the United Kingdom was third highest in the European Community as a share of GDP (9.6 per cent.), just behind Denmark and France. Partial figures for 1984 show increased spending in the United Kingdom, while spending in other states has decreased.