§ 24. Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the Government's total estimated expenditure on the long-term sick and disabled for 1987 –88; how this compares with 1978 –79 in real terms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottThe estimated expenditure on benefits for long-term sick and disabled people for 1987 –88 is £6 .75 billion. This is an increase of over 80 per cent. in real terms compared with expenditure in 1978 –79.