§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is his estimate of the savings on supplementary benefit if non-contributory invalidity pension was extended to married women on a simple test of incapacity for work;
(2) what is his estimate of the savings on housing benefit if non-contributory invalidity pension was extended to married women on a simple test of incapacity for work;
(3) what is his estimate of the savings on family income supplement if non-contributory invalidity pension was extended to married women on a simple test for incapacity to work.
§ Dr. BoysonIt is not possible to produce a reliable estimate, because there is insufficient information on the households who would be affected. However, on the assumption that a similar proportion would be receiving, respectively, supplementary benefit, housing benefit and family income supplement as is the case for the working-age population as a whole, the savings would be very approximately £15 million on supplementary benefit (including certificated housing benefit) and £3 million on standard housing benefit. The savings on FIS would be negligible.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what, in money terms and at November 1983 values, the level of the earnings disregard for the wife of an invalidity pensioner was in November of each year from 1971 to 1983.
§ Mr. NewtonI assume that the right hon. Member is referring to the weekly amount an invalidity pensioner's wife may earn before a dependency increase for her is reduced, provided the couple reside together.
Following is the information:
November Money terms November 1983 value £ £ 1971 9.50 39.61 1972 9.50 36.80 1973 9.50 33.35 1974 13 38.58 1975 20 47.42 1976 35 72.17 1977 40 72.98 1978 45 75.98 1979 45 64.73 1980 45 56.13 1981 45 50.13 1982 45 47.18 1983 45 45