HC Deb 15 February 1988 vol 127 cc502-3W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people were receiving supplementary benefit in 1983–84, 1984–85, 1985–86 and 1986–87 and the latest figures for 1987–88 in(a) Scotland (b) Strathclyde and (c) Greenock and Port Glasgow.

Mr. Portillo

[holding answer 12 February 1988]: The table sets out the information requested. The Strathclyde area is served by 31 local offices, including Greenock and Port Glasgow, although the boundaries are not conterminous.

Number of supplementary benefit claimants
Region/local office 2 August 1983 31 July 1984 31 July 1985 13 August 1986 29 July 1987
Scotland 469,871 507,785 531,176 545,621 563,047
Strathclyde 266,818 290,618 305,744 313,911 323,033
Greenock 9,936 10,748 11,101 11,868 12,672
Port Glasgow 4,235 4,723 5,006 5,376 5,275

Source: 100 per cent. count of cases in action.