§ Lord Chappleasked Her Majesty's Government:
How much of the £40 billion spent on the social security system each year is absorbed in administration, and how much is received by claimants.
§ Baroness TrumpingtonOf the £40.1 billion estimated expenditure on the social security system in 1985–86, just over 4 per cent. (£1.7 billion) will be spent on administration and 96 per cent. (£38.4 billion) will be paid to claimants.