§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent representations he has had 711W about the level of British pensions paid to people living in Australia; what replies he has sent; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ArbuthnotWe have received a number of letters recently about non-payment of annual pension increases to British pensioners living in Australia. We have also received representations from the Government of Australia. It would cost an additional £105 million a year to uprate British pensions paid there. In view of the continued need to contain public expenditure, we have no plans to change our policy on this issue.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has studied the comments made on 24 January by Australia's Minister for Social Security about the level of British pensions paid to people living in Australia; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ArbuthnotWe have seen the press release issued by the Minister's office. We have no plans to change our existing policy on indexation.