§ 16. Sir J. Edenasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance to what extent the maximum amount 141W payable through National Assistance is related to the rising standard of living of the nation as a whole; and how this is reflected in the numbers currently receiving such assistance.
§ Mrs. ThatcherThe basic National Assistance scale rate for a single householder, to which additions are made for rent and for any special needs, has increased by 165 per cent. since 1948 as compared with an increase over approximately the same period of 150 cent. in average male earnings and 125 per cent. in consumers' expenditure. More people have qualified as assistance standards have improved.