§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what percentage of the United Kingdom population lives on less than 50 per cent. of the national average income; [27382]
(2) what percentage of the United Kingdom population lives on below national average income. [27381]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellStatistics on patterns of household disposable income, for the United Kingdom as a whole, are provided in "Households Below Average Income 1979 to 1992–93", a copy of which is in the Library. The latest edition, published in June 1995 with minor revisions in October 1995, shows that, in 1992–93, 63 per cent. of the population had incomes below the national mean average, before housing costs and 62 per cent. had incomes below the mean, after housing costs. The638W
Department's telecommunications experts. Several recommendations have already been implemented and we are considering whether when and how to implement others.We do regularly review the Helpline service, and as I have described, are making further changes to seek to improve it.I hope you find my reply helpful.