HC Deb 03 May 1972 vol 836 cc380-1
23. Mr. Buchanan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the cost of accommodation is paid by the Government in allowances toward the users of lodging house accommodation.

Mr. Monro

This is mainly a matter for the Supplementary Benefits Commission, and the amounts of its allowances to individuals depend on their circumstances.

Mr. Buchanan

Is the Minister aware that in the City of Glasgow 99 per cent. of the people who stay in lodging houses are recipients of supplementary benefit and that the Supplementary Benefits Commission avers that board and lodging can be had in Glasgow for £6 a week? It allows beneficiaries only £7.20 a week when the economic cost is £11. Is that not an unreasonable amount to be made up by the ratepayers?

Mr. Monro

I appreciate the interest the hon. Gentleman has in this case. This is a matter for the Supplementary Benefits Commission and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.