§ Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to make available new versions of the forms all new old-age pensioners are to receive informing them of their pension rights and the methods by which they can have their pension rights paid to them; and if he will notify hon. Members and place a copy in the Library when a new version is available.
§ Mr. HagueThe administration of retirement pension is a matter for Mr Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from M. Bichard to Mr. Calum Macdonald, dated the 19 July 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking when he expects to make available new versions of the forms all new old age pensioners are to receive informing them of their pension rights and the method by which they can have their pensions paid to them; and if he will notify honourable Members and place a copy in the Library when a new version is available.
Possible amendments to the Retirement Pension claim form are currently under consideration. Decisions on the new format of this form will be taken in the near future and a copy of the revised form will be placed in the Library.
I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also be placed in the Library.
§ 1991. Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of national average earnings the basic state pension comprised in(a) 1979 and (b)
§ Mr. HagueThe information requested is in the table.
Standard rate basic retirement pension Date Rate £ As a percentage of average earnings (all adults)1 November 1979 22.30 23.2 April 1991 52.00 18.3 Note:
1Source: Department of Employment's new earnings survey estimates of all adult earnings.
198W