Pensions

40.

Sir Bernard Braine
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost of raising retirement pensions to one-half average earnings for married couples and one-third for single people.

Mr. Orme
The cost of increasing the current rate of retirement pension to one-half average earnings for married couples and one-third for single people, assuming average earnings of £70 per week, would be £2,900 million in a full year.