§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will implement the recommendation of the Social Security Committee in its third report, "Uprating of State Retirement Pensions Payable to People Resident Abroad" (HC 143, 1996–97) relating to the granting of a 413W free vote to hon. Members on the payment of upratings to pensioners living in countries where uprating are not paid at present; and if she will make a statement. [604]
§ Mr. DenhamWe recognise the strong feelings regarding this long-standing policy among UK pensioners who live in those countries where pensions are not uprated.
However, there are competing demands and constraints on social security spending. In these circumstances, the Government believes that it would be wrong to raise expectations that an uprating of these pensions would be likely to attract priority.