§ 14. Barbara FollettTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the impact of the Chancellor's pre-Budget report statement of 9 November 1999,Official Report, columns 883–906, on the living standards of pensioners in Northern Ireland. [98778]
§ Mr. George HowarthPensioners in Northern Ireland are benefiting fully from the Government's strategy to provide effective help for today's pensioners. The extension of the 10p income tax rate to savings, free TV licences for older pensioners together with the other 159W measures already announced, including the £100 Winter Fuel Payment and extra targeted support for poorer pensioners through the Minimum Income Guarantee, reinforce the Government's commitment to pensioners throughout the United Kingdom.