HC Deb 06 December 1971 vol 827 cc246-51W
Miss Lestor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are currently drawing discretionary additions to their supplementary benefit because of special needs for extra heating.

Mr. Dean

In November, 1970, 196,000 people were receiving these additions. The recent improvements will have led to an increase, but firm figures will not be available until the spring of next year.

Miss Lestor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many supplementary benefit claimants were prosecuted for fraud during 1970.

Mr. Dean

There were 4,532.

Miss Lestor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the Supple- mentary Benefits Commission's B/040 form which gives information on claimants' minimum clothing stock.

From BO 40

†Delete whichever is inapplicable

Mr. Dean

The form provides a general guide, not a minimum standard. It is as follows:

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people in Cardiganshire over the age of 60 years who are eligible for supplementary benefit have never claimed the same.

Mr. Dean

I regret that it is not possible to make any estimate.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to encourage those persons, especially elderly persons who, though eligible to receive supplementary benefit, have not applied for the same.

Mr. Dean

Continuous efforts are made to encourage all those, especially the elderly, who are eligible for supplementary benefit, to claim it. A specific invitation to claim is sent to all new claimants for retirement pension and widows' benefit.