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National Insurance Contributions Bill

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that in the past 10 years, the average pensioner's income—I appreciate that he is focusing on one end of the scale—has increased by 37 per cent. in real terms, whereas the average wage earner's income has increased by 18 per cent. in real terms. In relation to the pension as a proportion of the average national wage—I think he referred to a figure of 18 per cent. in 1950 and 15.9 per cent. now—will he say what the percentage is if one includes pension credit and the winter fuel allowance? That would be a more accurate comparison.