§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what pensioners' average real income from savings was(a) in 1979 and (b) in the most recent year for which figures are available; and if he will estimate the figure for 1992;
(2) what proportion of newly-retired pensioners had income from savings, other than their second or more pension, at retirement in (a) 1979 and (b) the most recent year for which figures are available; and if he will estimate the figure for 1992;
(3) what proportion of newly-retired pensioners had two or more pensions at retirement in (a) 1979 and (b) the most recent year for which figures are available; and if he will estimate the figure for 1992.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe average real income of single pensioners and pensioner couples from savings is estimated at £9.50 per week in 1979 and £19.90 in 1988 (both figures are at 1988 prices).
In 1979, 68 per cent. of newly-retired single pensioners and pensioner couples received income from savings, the corresponding figure for 1988 was 78 per cent.
In 1979, 50 per cent. of newly-retired pensioners and pensioner couples received income from both state benefits and an occupational pension; the corresponding figure for 1988 was 62 per cent.
Source: Family Expenditure Survey.
Note: Newly-retired pensioners are defined as single women aged 60–64, single men aged 65–69 and couples in which the man is aged 65–69. Single pensioners are defined as being aged 60 or over for women and 65 or over for men; pensioner couples are those where the man is aged 65 or over. No estimates of these figures are available for 1992.