§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the cost of(a) doubling and (b) quadrupling the premium payable to pensioners over the age of 80 years.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe gross extra cost of doubling and quadrupling the retirement pension age addition would be £28 million and £84 million respectively. These costs do not take into account the savings in income-related benefits.