§ 18. Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much pensioners' total incomes would have increased since 1979 if the rate of increase between 1974 and 1979 had continued; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe average net pensioner income increased by only 3 per cent., in real terms, between 1974 and 1979. My hon. Friend will be interested to learn that, had this rate of growth continued, the increase in pensioners' net incomes, in 1987 prices, between 1979 and 1987 would have been a mere £3.80 per week when in fact they rose by £24 during this period.
§ 21. Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent representations he has received regarding the income and related matters of pensioners.
§ Miss WiddecombeMy right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and Secretary of State recently met delegates from the Pensioners Convention. Ministers have also, in recent months, met representatives of four national pensioner organisations.