asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state (a) the total number of old age pensioners paid in 1958, indicating the number paid full pensions and those paid part pensions, (b) the total cost of the pensions showing the cost for each section separately, (c) the number of old age pensioners over 75 years on 1st January, 1958, and (d) the total expenditure involved in the administration of the old age pensions, or if it is not possible to give this separately, an estimate of the cost.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions.
2.
Figures are not available in the exact form required by the Deputy and the following are the nearest estimates that can be readily supplied in reply to parts (a), (b) and (d) of the question:
(a) The estimated average numbers of old age and blind pensions in payment at the various rates during the calendar year 1958 were:
|
25/- |
pension |
153,580 |
|
20/- |
pension |
3,675 |
|
15/- |
pension |
3,024 |
|
10/- |
pension |
3,282 |
|
Total |
163,561 |
(b) The estimated basic cost of these pensions at the various rates was:
|
25/- |
pension |
£10,010,125 |
|
20/- |
pension |
191,625 |
|
15/- |
pension |
118,260 |
|
10/- |
pension |
85,567 |
|
Total |
£10,405,577 |
(c) Information is not available as to the number of pensioners over the age of 75 on the 1st January, 1958.
(d) The estimated cost of administration for the year 1958, applicable to my Department only, was £155,000. This does not account for such items as the cost for agency services performed by the Post Office and Stationery Office, or the proportionate cost of telephone and other establishment charges.