§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what changes have been made since 1997 to help pensioners with small occupational pensions. [156645]
§ Mr. RookerPensioners with small occupational pensions will have gained from some or all of the extra increases in basic State pension, tax allowances and Minimum Income Guarantee, together with Winter Fuel Payments and free TV licences.
As a result of tax and benefit measures introduced by this Government, pensioner households will, on average, be over £11 a week, or £580 a year, better off.
158W
§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what role the Pension Credit will play in encouraging people to save for retirement. [156569]
§ Mr. RookerThe Pension Credit will ensure that people of modest means are rewarded for building on basic pension level through SERPS, a private pension or other forms of income and savings.
§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will amend the National Insurance Act 1946 to prevent companies from exercising their powers to take account of a person's basic state pension. [156326]
§ Mr. RookerI refer the hon. Member to my written answer to my hon. Friend for Leeds, Central (Mr. Benn) on 14 March 2001,Official Report, column 605W.
§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress is being made with the introduction of the Pension Credit. [156553]
§ Mr. RookerWe are considering more than 400 responses to our consultation paper. We will consider our response in due course.