HC Deb 26 October 1995 vol 264 cc808-9W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the amount of(a) the widow's payment and (b) the Christmas bonus in the year 1996–97 if they had been uprated (i) in line with earnings and (ii) in line with prices since the date when they were announced and the date when they were introduced. [38161]

Mr. Heald

The information is not available in the format requested. Since 1988, benefit upratings have been based on movement in the retail prices index over the preceding September to September period. Data on

Column 1 Benefit/allowance Column 2 Date introduction announced Column 3 Date introduced Column 4 Rate at announcement £ Column 5 Rate when introduced £ Column 6 Current rate £ Column 7 Rate at April 1996 if amount at Column 4 uprated by prices since date at Column 2 £ Column 8 Rate at April 1996 if amount at Column 5 uprated by prices since date at Column 3£
Christmas bonus November 1972 December 1972 10.00 10.00 10.00 69.75 69.75
Widow's payment December 1985 April 1988 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,584.65 1,473.20

Notes:

1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 5 pence.

2. The retail prices index (all items) up to September 1995 as published by the Central Statistical Office has been used for uprating.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the percentage change in the real value of the pensioners' Christmas bonus since it was first paid; to what amount it would have to be changed to restore its original value; and if he will increase it this Christmas. [39653]

Mr. Heald

If the £10 Christmas bonus had been uprated in line with prices since it was first paid in December 1972, it would be £67.15 at December 1995. The £10 bonus represents about 15 per cent. of this figure. We have no plans to increase the bonus.

Notes:

1: Figures rounded to nearest 5 pence.

2: The retail prices index (all items) up to September 1995 as published by the Central Statistical Office has been used for prices uprating.

Mr. Frank Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to pay the state retirement pension from the actual birthday of the claimant; and if he will make a statement. [39392]

Mr. Heald

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the Member for Glasgow, Maryhill (Mrs. Fyfe) on 28 April,Official Report, column 715.