Retirement Pensions (Purchasing Power) Mr. Ridsdale asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much the purchasing power of retirement pensions has now decreased in weekly terms, for single and married pensioners, since the date of the last increase in November, 1969. Sir K. Joseph 6s. 0d. for a single person and 9s. 8d. for a married couple. Mr. Ridsdale asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what he estimates to be the cost of restoring the retirement pension to its value at the last date of increase in November, 1969. Sir K. Joseph About £105 million a year without allowing for accompanying changes in other benefits.