HC Deb 14 November 1956 vol 560 cc25-6W
Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what was the total cost of the administration of National Assistance during the latest year for which figures are available; how many applications for assistance were made during this period; and, of these, how many were granted and how many refused.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

For the financial year 1955–56 the total cost of administration of the National Assistance Board was £6,750,000. In addition to work on National Assistance, this also covered the other work of the Board, for particulars of which I would refer the hon. Member to their Annual Report. Of new applications made during the year in question 1,528,000 were granted, and 275,000 refused or withdrawn.