§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Servies how many persons currently receive special hardship allowance; and what are the corresponding figures for each of the past five years.
§ Mr. NewtonAt 30 September 1983 (the latest date for which figures are available). 144,770 people were in receipt of special hardship allowance. The figures for the preceding five years are as follows:
Number 1982 144,110 1981 146,030 1980 146,850 1979 148,020 1978 148,810