HC Deb 21 February 1991 vol 186 cc261-2W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the percentages of, and the percentage increase in real terms between 1979 and the latest year for which figures are available in pensioner income from (a) benefits, (b) occupational pensions, (c) savings and (d) earnings.

Miss Widdecombe

The information requested is in the table.

Types of Pensioners' Income Percentage of Gross Incomes Real Terms increase Per cent
1979 1987 1979–87
Total Social Security Benefits 61 53 17
Occupational Pensions 16 21 77
Savings Income 11 19 130
Earnings 12 7 -20
Total Income 100 100 31

Sources: Family Expenditure Survey 1987.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list by quintile the percentage change in pensioner net income from 1979 to date using standard prices.

Miss Widdecombe

The information is in the table.

Changes in real income for each pensioner net income quintile
Quintile Increase (per cent.)
1979–87
Bottom 19.0
Second 23.5
Third 24.0
Fourth 26.5
Top 43.8

Source: Family expenditure survey.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of pensioner units receive income from state benefits to the value of(a) 100 per cent. of income, (b) 75 per cent. of income or more and (c) 50 per cent. of income or more.

Miss Widdecombe

In 1987 the percentage of pensioner units receiving income from state benefits to the value of(a) 100 per cent. of income was about 16 per cent.; (b) 75 per cent. of income or more—about 54 per cent. and (c) 50 per cent. of income or more—about 75 per cent.