§ Mr. David Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much was paid by his Department in respect of provision of school clothing for children in Strathclyde in the most recent year for which figures are available.
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§ Mr. NewtonRegulation 6(2)(b) of the supplementary benefit single payments regulations—SI 1981/1528—specifically precludes single payments being made for distinctive school uniforms or sports clothes or equipment. Single payments can, however, be made in certain circumstances for other items of clothing, including clothing which could be worn at school. The available figures do not distinguish between payments made for children and adults; nor do they provide a detailed geographical breakdown. The annual statistical inquiry for 1981 recorded a total of 7,000 single payments for clothing in Scotland: the total expenditure amounted to £331,000. These figures—which are rounded to the nearest 1000—relate to single payments made during the 12 months preceding the date of the inquiry to persons still in receipt of supplementary benefit at the date of the enquiry. They do not therefore record all of the single payments made during the year.