HC Deb 03 November 1999 vol 337 cc242-3W
Mr. O'Hara

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the percentage value of the basic state pension(a) as a percentage of average earnings and (b) in 1999 prices; and what it will be in (i) 2000, (ii) 2010, (iii) 2020, (iv) 2030 and (v) 2050 if it is increased only in line with prices, (1) assuming average earnings continue to grow at the same average rate as they have since 1979 and (2) assuming average earnings increase at 2 per cent. more per year than the retail prices index. [95633]

Mr. Rooker

The information requested is in the table.

Year Basic pension in 1999 prices (£) As a percentage of average earnings
1999 66.75 16.6
2000 66.75 16.3
2010 66.75 13.4
2020 66.75 11.0
2030 66.75 9.0
2050 66.75 6.1

Note:

Real earnings growth when rounded to the nearest 0.1 per cent. is the same for (1) and (2) at 2 per cent.