Written question asked by Lord Horam (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 March 2001. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 March 2001 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, how many pensioners had money deducted from their state retirement pension whilst in hospital during the last calendar year for which figures are available; and what the cost to the Exchequer would have been of not making such deductions. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Horam: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners had money deducted from their state retirement pension while in hospital during the last calendar year for which figures are available; and what the cost to the Exchequer would have been of not making such deductions. [153226] Mr. Rooker: As at 31 March 2000, some 31,900 retirement pensioners were in hospital and subject to a downrating of their retirement pension. The costs of abolishing such downrating is approximately £60 million per year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 153226; 364 c607W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Benefits rules Costs Deductions Hospitals Patients Pensioners Pensions State retirement pensions
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk