§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Social Security whether she is aware that since October, 1967, price increases have depreciated the purchasing value of social security benefits by 2 per cent.; and, in view of the fact that further price increases will become operative as a result of the Budget, devaluation, and rises in the cost of fuel, fares, rents and rates, whether she will give an assurance that the living standards of those on social welfare benefits will not be allowed to fall below the pre-Budget level.
§ Mr. PentlandThe Government have made it clear that they will protect the most vulnerable section of the community against hardship, have already presented to the House the measure to increase family allowances and have stated their intention of increasing supplementary benefits in the autumn.