HC Deb 25 October 1954 vol 531 c1592
40. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many payments of National Assistance are being made at the latest available date, showing separately the numbers of payments in supplementation of retirement, sickness, unemployment and widows' benefits and the numbers of noncontributory old age pensions.

Mr. Peake

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Would the Minister at least give me the figure for the total number of payments?

Mr. Peake

1,764,000.

Following is the answer:

ANALYSIS OF ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS AT 30TH SEPTEMBER, 1954
Thousands
A. Total number of regular weekly Assistance grants in payment* 1,764
Assistance paid in supplementation of insurance benefits
1. Retirement pensions 983
2. Sickness benefit 133
3. Widow's benefit 93
4. Unemployment benefit 24
B. Total number of non-contributory old-age pensions 321
Assistance paid in supplementation of non-contributory old-age pensions 158

Note:

* Assistance grants may cover the needs of more than one person.