§ Sir Brandon Rhys WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table showing how many of the people in receipt of housing benefit in each year since 1979–80 were currently in employment, including self-employment; and how many were sick, unemployed, lone parents or retirement pensioners.
§ Mr. PortilloI regret that we do not have full data in the form requested. The information available is set out in the table.
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§ Mr. Andrew BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any plans to afford to married woman independent entitlement to housing benefit.
§ Mr. PortilloNo. Housing benefit is calculated on the basis of the eligible housing costs of the household and in the case of a married couple the needs and resources of both spouses are taken into account. Housing benefit may be claimed by whichever spouse is liable to pay for the housing costs of the household.