asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has received the communication from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, enclosing a letter from Mr. E. Browne, of Forest Gate, E.7, showing that, notwithstanding the rise in prices since retirement pensions were raised last September, he and his wife have only had a 75p per week increase in their income; and whether he will take administrative action to assist Mr. and Mrs. Browne.

I received the hon. Member's letter on 16th December and will write to him when inquiries have been completed.