§ 2. Miss Quennellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of people who are not now pensioners but who will benefit from the annual review of pensions and related benefits.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Paul Dean)The number varies with the incidence of sickness and unemployment, but it is estimated that at any one time between 3½ and 4 million people are receiving one of the benefits, other than retirement pension, which will be affected by the annual reviews.
§ Miss QuennellHow many people in total are likely to benefit under the new arrangements, and of that figure how many are likely to receive widows' allowances?
§ Mr. DeanAbout 11 million people altogether will benefit; that is the approximate number of people in receipt of benefit at any one time. Incidentally, they are receiving cash allowances which amount to no fewer than £50 million each week. The number below retire 1078 ment age involved in widows' benefits is 650,000, and a substantial number of other widows receive retirement benefits.
§ Mr. O'MalleyIn view of the large number of people who have been unemployed for an increasingly long period of time as a result of Conservative policies, would the hon. Gentleman look at the desirability—we certainly regard this suggestion as very desirable—of earnings-related unemployment benefit being paid for a longer period than six months?
§ Mr. DeanIt was always felt by the Labour Government that, when earnings-related supplement runs out, it is better for people to be helped by the more flexible arrangements provided by supplementary benefit.