18. Mr. Alan W. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent representations he has received from pensioner organisations in Wales. [136880]
§ Mr. HansonIn recent months I have received a number of representations from pensioner organisations. I have also met with some pensioner groups.
21. Mr. Jon Owen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with Department of Social Security Ministers about(a) the take up of the Minimum Income Guarantee for pensioners, (b) the issuing of free television licences and (c) winter fuel payments in Wales; and if he will make a statement.[136883]
§ Mr. HansonI speak regularly with colleagues in Whitehall and we discuss a range of issues. My officials are also in close contact with their counterparts in the Department of Social Security on matters that affect pensioners in Wales.
The uprated Minimum Income Guarantee will help 105,000 pensioner households in Wales. 10,000 more pensioners in Wales will be eligible and benefits will increase for the 95,000 pensioners currently eligible. Over 200,000 over 75 pension households will benefit from free television licences and the increased Winter Fuel Allowance will benefit 500,000 pensioner households in Wales.
I am sure that my hon. Friend will join me in welcoming the new measures announced for pensioners by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget statement.
§ 27. Mrs. Betty WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he next plans to meet representatives of pensioner organisations in Wales. [136889]
§ Mr. HansonMy right hon. Friend and I regularly meet representatives of pensioner organisations and I met a group of pensioners on 9 November to discuss a range of issues with them.
My right hon. Friend has agreed to meet the National Association of Welsh Pensioners shortly to discuss the new measures announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 8 November.