Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Jeff Ennis (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 24 March 2010 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: The 82-year-old Mr. Harold Binney from Wombwell in my constituency is supporting my campaign to scrap the derisory 25p age addition on state pensions for the over-80s, which has remained at the same level since 1972, and to replace it with an additional £25 a year through the popular winter fuel allowance. Will the Prime Minister have a word with his very good friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to make sure that this measure is included in his forthcoming Budget?

Answer: I do not want to anticipate all the news that my hon. Friend will receive in the Budget in a few minutes' time. We have made sure that over the last 10 years pensioner households—indeed, households over 60—have had winter fuel payments every year; they have reached a record level of payment. The Chancellor will comment on that in a few minutes' time.

Secondary information