§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons drew sickness benefit for any period of time in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what was the total cost of this in public funds.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe number of people drawing sickness benefit in the 12 months period ending 31st May 1975 was over 5¼ million. The estimated cost of sickness benefit for those beneficiaries during that period is about £350 million.