Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on the Christmas Bonus – 17 March 1987

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on the Christmas Bonus on 17th March 1987.

Mr. Nellist Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list for each year since its introduction the value of the Christmas bonus for pensioners at (a) 1973 and (b) 1987 prices.

Mr. Major As the Christmas bonus was introduced in December 1972, its value expressed at 1972 prices in December of each year is shown in column 1 of the table. Column 2 shows the value in December 1986 prices.

Value of Christmas Bonus in (£)

Year | 1972 prices | 1986 prices

1972 | 10.00 | 44.29
1973 | 9.04 | 40.05
1974 | 7.59 | 33.62
1975 | Not paid
1976 | Not paid
1977 | 4.71 | 20.86
1978 | 4.35 | 19.25
1979 | 3.71 | 16.42
1980 | 3.22 | 14.26
1981 | 2.87 | 12.73
1982 | 2.73 | 12.07
1983 | 2.59 | 11.46
1984 | 2.48 | 10.96
1985 | 2.34 | 10.37
1986 | 2.26 | 10.00