HC Deb 13 November 1991 vol 198 cc569-70W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many individuals aged between 65 and 80 years are(a) not in receipt of a full pension and (b) losing more than £5 a week because they are not on his Department's files.

Mr. Jack

In a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on national insurance contributions—HOC 665 —it was estimated that some 130,000 people between the ages of 60 to 65 and 80 years for whom the Department did not have a valid address might have an entitlement to state pension exceeding £5.

The Department's analysis of a sample of the individuals has shown that most of these people's entitlements are small and stem from contributions paid many years ago. Some 5 per cent. have subsequently claimed their pension. Of the remaining 95 per cent., very few are thought to be still alive, living in the United Kingdom, or likely to benefit from making a claim. Around 50 per cent. appear to have emigrated at least 20 years ago or to have died and another 40 per cent. were women who may well be receiving a pension on their husband's contributions of an amount equal to or higher than that payable on their own contributions.

Mr. David Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners were in receipt of(a) pension income other than the basic retirement pension and (b) other income from savings in (i) 1979 and (ii) the most recent year for which figures are available; and if he will estimate the figure for 1992.

Miss Widdecombe

In 1979 a total of 3 million individuals over state pension age were receiving income from an occupational pension; the corresponding figure for 1988 was 4.5 million. For 1979 it is estimated that 4 million single pensioners and pensioner couples were receiving income from savings and investments; the corresponding figure for 1988 is 5.1 million. In no case is it possible to give an estimate for 1992.

Sources:

Government Actuary's Survey of Occupational Pensions Schemes

Family Expenditure Survey.

Mr. David Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average amount of the second pension received by newly retired pensioners in(a) 1979, (b) the most recent year for which figures are available and (c) giving an estimate of the figure for 1992.

Miss Widdecombe

In 1979, the average amount of income derived from occupational pensions by those pensioners and pensioner couples who had occupational pensions was £41.40; the corresponding figure for 1988 was £64.20. It is not possible to give an estimate for 1992.

Note: Figures given in 1988 prices.

Source: Family Expenditure Survey; 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.