§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will extend the time limit for submission of subsequent sickness benefit claims to the period now allowed for first claims; and if he will give his reasons for his decision.
Great Britain (thousands) November November November Claimants and Dependants 1970 1973 1977* Supplementary benefit claimants … … 2,738 2,675 2,991 Wives of claimants … … 633 549 611 Number of dependent children … … 796 798 1,156 * Figures for 1977 are not completely comparable with those for earlier years owing to a change in the method of estimation.