HC Deb 14 May 1987 vol 116 cc348-9W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will set out in tabular form the amount of rent rebates and allowances, rate rebates and subsequently housing benefit received per week by households on incomes (a) at supplementary benefit levels, (b) 10 per cent. above supplementary benefit level, (c) 20 per cent. above supplementary benefit level, (d) 30 per cent. above supplementary benefit level and (e) 40 per cent. above supplementary benefit level for each financial year from 1979–80 to 1986–87.

Mr. Lyell

The information is not available in the form requested except at disproportionate cost. However some relevant information is contained in the department's tax/ benefit model tables, a copy of which is in the Library.

Mr. Clay

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the latest estimate of his Department's expenditure on promoting the take-up of social security benefits on an annual basis.

Mr. Lyell

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood) on 26 March at column257.

Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take action to ensure that child benefit is reinstated under the Child Benefit (General) Amendment Regulations 1987 S.I.357/1987 in those cases where the young person concerned is taking examinations during this summer term and therefore not entitled to supplementary benefit in his or her own right.

Mr. Major

Child benefit is reinstated immediately upon application in these circumstances.

Mr. Clay

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the latest estimate of the take-up of housing benefit and family income supplement broken down into (a) the numbers entitled to benefit, (b) the proportion receiving benefit, (c) the numbers eligible but not receiving benefit, (d) the amount unclaimed and (e) the average weekly amount unclaimed.

Mr. Lyell

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Stewart) on 12 May at column126.

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