§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people of working age claimed supplementary benefit for 12 months and more in (a) the United Kingdom, (b) the west midlands and (c) the Walsall borough area in May 1979; and if he will give the latest figures for the three groups and the percentage difference in each case.
§ Mr. Whitney[pursuant to his reply, 31 January 1985, c. 304]: It is regretted that information is not available for the west midlands and the Walsall borough area. Nor is information available for May 1979.
The latest information available is as follows:
§ Mr. Whitney[pursuant to his reply, 30 January 1985, c. 304]: It is regretted that information is not available for the west midlands and the Walsall borough area. Nor is information available for May 1979.
The latest information available is as follows: 689W
Thousands December 1978 December 1982 December 1983 Percentage increase People aged 45 or over in receipt of supplementary benefit for 12 months or more in Great Britain 1,830 1,970 — 8 People aged 40 or over in receipt of supplementary benefit for 12 months or more in Northern Ireland.* 68 — 82 20 * Information is not available about the number of claimants aged 45 or over in Northern Ireland. Source: Annual Statistical Enquiries.