§ 16. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many people were in receipt of National 1014 Assistance allowances during the first week in April, 1955; what was the total cost; and how this compares in numbers and in cost with the first week in May, 1955.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. Ernest Marples)On 29th March, 1955, the number of regular weekly National Assistance grants was 1,807,466. On 26th April, the number was 1,693,364. Most of the grants are paid at post offices, and I regret that information showing total expenditure by weeks is not available.
§ 17. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many people were in receipt of National Assistance allowances at the latest convenient date; what was the total amount paid out; and how it compares with a similar period in 1954.
§ Mr. MarplesThe number of regular weekly National Assistance grants on 31st May, 1955, was 1,648,549 compared with 1,782,287 on 25th May, 1954. As regards the cost, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his previous Question.
§ Mr. DoddsWas not the answer given by a previous Government, and could not that Parliamentary Secretary give the figure now for the benefit of the House?
§ Mr. MarplesThe cost by weeks is not available. The cost by calendar months is available, but it takes two months before the information can be collated and presented.