Pensions

Mr. David Steel
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what level of pension would now be required to take account of inflation since the last increase.

Mr. Ennals
The General Index of Retail Prices rose by 6 per cent. between November 1976 and March 1977, the latest date for which a figure is available. The standard rates of retirement pension would have to rise to £16·20 a week for a single person and £26 for a married couple to take account of this.