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Christmas Bonus

Volume 895: debated on Wednesday 9 July 1975

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asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations she has received asking for the continuation of the Christmas bonus scheme for retirement pensioners; and from whom these were received.

I cannot give a precise figure, but my right hon. Friend has received a number of letters from Members of Parliament, members of the general public, and from pensioners' organisations about the bonus, including a letter dated 1st July from the hon. Member herself to which a reply will be sent as soon as possible. The replies already sent have made plain that a bonus is bound to be somewhat arbitrary in coverage and excludes a number of people who benefit from a general uprating. As already announced, the next uprating has been brought forward to the week beginning 17th November.