§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services under what circumstances his Department pays for holidays for persons or their families drawing social security benefits; how many persons went on holiday at the taxpayers' expense in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what was the total cost to public funds.
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§ Mr. OrmeThe Supplementary Benefits Commission does not pay for holidays as such although claimants are free to take holidays and to draw benefit providing they continue to satisfy the conditions of the scheme such as availability for employment. In certain cases where a holiday is arranged for a blind person living in accommodation provided by a local authority under Part III of the National Assistance Act 1948, supplementary benefit can be paid to cover his fares, a fee to retain his room, and a reasonable amount for the holiday accommodation. Such cases are rare, and the numbers and cost involved are not recorded.