To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if pensioners who receive benefit on Thursday or Friday will receive one payment at the old rate on 7 April and 51 payments at the new rate, following the increase in the state retirement pension in the week commencing 11 April; and if he will make a statement.

Payments of retirement pension in the week commencing Monday 6 April will be at 1987–88 rates, whether the pay day is Monday, Thursday or Friday. Pensions will be paid at 1988–89 rates during the 52 benefit weeks from the week commencing Monday 11 April 1988 to that commencing Monday 6 April 1989, inclusive.