§ Mr. MudieTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much pensioners would have received this year if the award had been related to earnings rather than inflation; and what weekly increase they would have received this year. [109590]
§ Mr. RookerThe information is in the table.
Amount of basic retirement pension payable to pensioners if increased bu earnings for April 2000 £ Amount of basic retirement pension Weekly increase Single pensioner 69.75 3.00 Married couple 111.50 4.80 Notes:
1. Average earnings index whole economy (non seasonally adjusted) as published by the Office of National Statistics.
2. The rate has been calculated assuming 100 per cent, entitlement to basic retirement pension.