To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table showing average rates of pension payable in each member state of the European Community on the most nearly comparable basis.

A copy of "Tables of Social Benefit Systems in the European Community (position at 1 January 1987)" published by the Department is available in the Library. This sets out the pension system in each member state of the European Community. Figures for average rates of pension are not available, since in most countries the pension is earnings related and calculated on the number and level of contributions during working life.