asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will propose an increase in the tax relief allowance for retirement pensioners, raised by £39 for the year 1972–73, to at least the increase in the amount of the increase in the social security pension, i.e., £83 per annum.

The increases in the income limits for age exemption for 1971–72 and 1972–73 made in the Finance Act, 1971 fully reflect the increase in the basic National Insurance retirement pension. I set out the new limits in my reply to the hon. Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. Stallard) on 21st December, 1971.—[Vol. 828, c. 297.]