§ 98. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many of the total of old-age pensioners now draw National Assistance; and what are the average weekly payments.
§ Miss PittI assume my hon. Friend has in mind both retirement and non contributory old-age pensioners. As at 27th March, 1956, some 898,610 retirement pensioners were receiving supplementation from the National Assistance Board at an estimated average rate of 14s. 7d. a week. Some 155,542 noncontributory old-age pensioners were receiving supplementation at an estimated average rate of 24s. 5d. a week.