§ Ms CorstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 9 March,Official Report, columns 217–18, if he will obtain a copy of the Netherlands report on social security and poverty as global issues, already published in preparation for the world summit on social developments planned to take place in Copenhagen in March 1995; and if he will consider preparing a similar contribution for the world summit to add to the contributions of other members of the European Union.
§ Mr. HagueNo such report has been prepared by the Dutch Government. However, I understand that the Netherlands National Advisory Council on Development
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§ Mr. HagueThe number of women, as estimated by the Government Actuary's Department, who would benefit from extending home responsibilities protection to the state earnings-related pension is shown in the table. Also shown is the percentage of female pensioners who would be affected. Data are not held which would allow reliable similar figures to be produced for men; however, the numbers are likely to be small.
Year Number million Percentage of female pensioners 2000 0.1 1 2010 1.0 15 2025 3.0 50 2035 4.0 55 Note:
The above figures for 2025 and 2035 assume state pension age of 65 for women.
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will ensure that increases in pensions are made concurrently with increases in VAT charges at the beginning of the financial year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HagueIn compliance with the statutory obligation imposed by section 150 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992, pensions will be increased in the week beginning with the first Monday in the new tax year.