§ 30. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Health the number of old age pensioners who are getting supplementary pensions; the approximate annual cost and-the total number of persons who are in receipt of old age pensions, both contributory and non-contributory?
§ Mr. E. BrownAs the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the reply:
§ The figures asked for are approximately as set out below:
| No. of Recipients. | Annual Cost. | |
| Supplementary pensions | 1,340,000 | £27,500,000 |
| Old age pensions— | ||
| (a) Contributory—under 70 | 1,230,000 | £32,000,000 |
| (b) Contributory—70 and over | 1,450,000 | £37,600,000 |
| (c) Non-contributory | 510,000 | £13,120,000 |
| (d) Total | 3,190,000 | £82,720,000 |
§ The above figures are for the whole of Great Britain.
§ 31. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Health how many persons are engaged on the task of inquiring, examining and determining the claims of the supplementary old age pensions; and the approximate annual cost for this work to be done?
§ Mr. BrownThe staff of the Assistance Board is employed in the administration of supplementary pensions in common with a number of other duties such as unemployment assistance and war damage payments. An estimate is being made of the approximate proportion and cost of 877 staff attributable to supplementary pensions alone, and when it is obtained I will communicate with my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. TinkerWill the right hon. Gentleman arrange for it to be put into the OFFICIAL REPORT?