asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the next review of pension levels, she will consider introducing the principle of differing pension levels during the winter and summer periods.

The Government's policy is to protect beneficiaries fully by uprating benefits as frequently as is necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what measures she is taking to advance sexual equality in pension rights.

The Social Security Pensions Act 1975 represents a major step towards equality of status for men and women. Under the new scheme the half-test for married women is abolished. Widowers will become entitled in certain circumstances to make use of a wife's record of contributions to help them qualify for benefit; and both men and women will have their pension rights safeguarded during periods when they have to give up work owing to family responsibilities. Occupational pension scheme membership will be open to men and women on the same terms as regards age of entry and length of qualifying service and on the same basis of option or obligation. The Occupational Pensions Board is considering what further steps are necessary to bring about equality of status for women in pension schemes.