§ Mr. Winnickasked the Prime Minister what was the number of people of working age receiving supplementary benefit for 12 months or more in May 1979 and now; what is the percentage change; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe information is as follows. The dates given are the nearest to those requested for which information is available.
Number of claimants of working age who have been in receipt of supplementary benefit for 12 months or more Great Britain Northern Ireland December 1978 646,000 35,000 December 1982 — 62,000 December 1983 1,427,000 — Percentage change 121 77