§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the latest figure for the number of unemployed who have been on supplementary benefit for over two years; what proportion of all unemployed supplementary benefit claimants this represents; and how many of them have children.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe most recent figure is 80,000 in December 1976. This represents 12 per cent. of the unemployed receiving supplementary benefit. It is estimated that 24,000 of them have children.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many unemployed persons were receiving earnings-related supplement in May 1977; and if he will express this figure (a) as a percentage of the number of registered unemployed and (b) as a percentage of those drawing unemployment benefit.
§ Mr. OrmeThe figures for 1977 are not yet available. I will write to my hon. Friend giving her this information as soon as possible.