§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in Northern Ireland currently receive board and lodging allowance under supplementary benefit regulations; and what are the figures for the past five years.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe information is as follows:
Numbers December 1981 777 December 1982 1,033 December 1983 1,070 December 1984 1,481 April 1985 1,129 May 1986 2,122 Notes
1. The numbers for 1981–1984 were derived from the Annual Statistical Enquiry and are subject to sampling error; those for April 1985 and May 1986 represent actual counts.
2. The numbers include all categories of boarder claimants.
§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average cost per week to the Exchequer of board and lodging allowance for bed and breakfast for a single person in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe estimated average cost is £35.33 per week.