1.   A large number wish to continue working as long as they are fit and do not want to retire at the state pension age.

2.   A significant proportion of the elderly are dependent on the basic state pension.

3.   About eight in ten pensioners have some sort of second income to top up their state pension.

4.   And for most pensioners, even those with supplementary pensions or savings, the state pension is their financial lifeline.

5.   Are changes such as means-testing child benefit and state pensions simply unthinkable?

6.   Around one third of pensioners are so poor that their basic state pension is topped up with other state benefits.

7.   Beveridge wanted a system based on insurance, with the public making insurance contributions to finance benefits like the state pension.

8.   Furthermore the level of the state pension is low in both historical and international terms.

9.   He is comparing the state pension in this country with the cumulative state and private pensions abroad.

10.   If your only source of income is your basic State pension, you are likely to be entitled to income support.