§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the cost each year to the Exchequer of giving those over 80 years of age an additional 25p a week pension; and what is the administrative cost of making these additional payments.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe estimated current cost of giving those over 80 years of age an additional 25p per week pension is over £26 million a year. As the addition is added automatically to the pension on the first payday after the pensioner's 80th birthday there is no additional administrative cost involved in making these payments.