§ Mr. Jim MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the effect on the average income of pensioners in Northern Ireland in 1988–89 of the abolition of single payments.
§ Mr. NeedhamPensioners on income support will have access to the social fund when single payments are abolished in April 1988. As it is not known how many pensioners are likely to claim and receive social fund grants it is not possible to predict the effect on average income in 1988–89.
§ Mr. Jim MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the total savings he expects to make in benefit payments in 1988–89 from the abolition of single payments and the introduction of the social fund.
§ Mr. NeedhamIt is estimated that savings will amount to some £7.45 millions after taking account of partial recovery of loans.