To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average proportion of (a) expected and (b) core pension being received is for people who have begun to receive their full-entitled payments under the Financial Assistance Scheme; and if he will make a statement.

As at 6 July 2007, 247 people are receiving annual payments which top up the actual pension paid through an annuity from their pension scheme to at least 80 per cent. of their expected core pension subject to a cap of £12,000 per annum. A further 1,079 people are receiving initial payments at 60 per cent. of their expected core pension, which subject to Royal Assent of the current Pensions Bill will be increased to 80 per cent.