§ 40. Mr. Deanasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what sum of money will still be available under the National Plan for real improvements in social security benefits up to 1970 after the provisions of the Ministry of Social Security Bill are put into operation.
§ Miss HerbisonRather more than £280 million, in 1969–70, over and above anything needed for adjustments to meet price changes.
§ Mr. DeanDoes the right hon. Lady agree that this is an exceedingly small sum in relation to the increased resources which have been made available for pensions and other benefits under previous Tory Administrations? Does she propose to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to make more resources available so that progress can be continued?
§ Miss HerbisonI do not at all accept what the hon. Member has said. This sum of money is over and above the 12s. 6d. increase which was made last year, the very biggest increase ever given.
§ Mr. AstorCan the right hon. Lady give a firm assurance that these extra resources will be used to provide help for the chronically sick and severely disabled group of people who do not benefit under the Social Security Bill?
§ Miss HerbisonI have told the hon. Member previously that those chronic sick who are not covered by the existing National Insurance provisions are among those whom we are considering in our review. I would add, however, that there were so many things left over for us to consider that it is not surprising that it is taking us time, but at least we are bringing each stage forward as we are ready.