HC Deb 25 October 1999 vol 336 cc718-9W
16. Mr. Hepburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to help the poorest pensioners. [93764]

Mr. Rooker

The Minimum Income Guarantee introduced in April provides a significant increase in incomes to the poorest pensioners. They will also start to receive their £100 Winter Fuel Payments in week commencing 8 November; this will ensure that no pensioner will have to worry about turning up their heating this winter.

17. Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the percentage of the total population which is of pensionable age; what was the percentage 10 years ago; and what forecast he has made of the percentage in 10 years' time. [93765]

Mr. Rooker

The percentage of the UK population over State Pension age is estimated at 18 per cent., broadly the same as ten years ago. Over the next ten years it is projected to rise to 19 per cent.

Source: Office for National Statistics: Previous figures Government Actuaries Department: Current and future figures.