asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total number of (a) contributory old-age pensioners, (b) non-contributory old age pensioners, (c) contributory widows pensioners, and (d) non-contributory widows pensioners; and the amount spent under each of these categories for the latest year for which figures are available.
Written Answers. - Pensions Statistics.
239.
The following table sets out in respect of 1977, the latest year for which figures are available, the information sought by the Deputy:
|
Scheme |
No. of recipients (End-December 1977) |
Amount |
|
£ |
||
|
Contributory Old Age Pension |
59,444 |
54,042,000 |
|
Non-Contributory Old Age Pension |
135,793 |
80,861,000 |
|
Contributory Widows Pension |
63,732 |
46,266,000 |
|
Non-Contributory Widows Pension |
10,605 |
8,181,000 |
240.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of pensioners presently in receipt of (a) free TV licence, (b) free telephone rental and (c) cheap fuel scheme.
At the latest date available, the total numbers in payment were (a) free television licences 89,875, (b) free telephone rental 6,350, and (c) cheap fuel scheme 30,000.
241.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the percentage increase in (a) contributory old age pension, and (b) non-contributory old age pension, over the last five years; and the percentage increase in the consumer price index over the same period.
In the five-year period August 1973 to August 1978 the rates of (a) contributory old age pension and (b) non-contributory old age pension were increased by 121 per cent and 123 per cent, respectively. The consumer price index increased by 105 per cent in the same period.