§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of families at present claiming free welfare milk and foods; what is estimated to be the total number of families currently eligible for this benefit; what is the average weekly value of the benefit of current claimants; and what are the present income ceilings for eligibility in the case of a married man with, respectively, one, two, three and four children in the relevant age category.
234W
§ Mr. AlisonThe number of claims made in Great Britain for free welfare milk and vitamins by families with a low income was, in the 17 week period ended 21st March, 1972, about 32,900 of which about 24,300 were successful. These figures do not include families with an expectant mother or young children receiving supplementary benefits or family income supplement who automatically qualify for free welfare food without making a separate claim. The current average weekly value of the benefit to successful claimants is approximately 58p.
There is no fixed income ceiling for eligibility for free welfare milk and vitamins, since the qualifying income level depends on variable factors such as rent and other commitments. On the number of families eligible for this benefit I would refer the hon. Member to the first part of my reply to him on 9th December, 1971.—[Vol. 827, c. 375–6.]