asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people retired in each of the last three years who were entitled only to graduated pension; and what steps are taken to inform them of their rights and what action to take.

Information is not held in the form requested but is available as follows:Number of persons receiving graduated pension only:

Year	Number
1973	28,800
1974	40,600
1975	56,000

A person approaching minimum pension age whose record shows that some graduated contributions have been paid is invited to make a claim to retirement pension.Most people entitled only to graduated pension are married women, and there is sometimes difficulty in advising them of their entitlement if they have not notified a change of address.If my hon. Friend has a particular case of difficulty in mind, I shall of course be glad to look into it.