§ Mr. Temple-Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she is aware that where two unmarried persons are cohabiting and one of these persons is dependent on the earnings of the other, for social security purposes the dependant is treated as such and therefore receives reduced benefits; and if she will take steps to change the position.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownI assume that the Question refers to supplementary benefit, for the purposes of which the resources and requirements of two persons living together are aggregated if they are married or, unless there are exceptional circumstances, if they are cohabiting as man and wife. The effect is broadly to treat a cohabiting couple as having the same needs as a married couple and I have no proposals to change this position.