§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Social Security what is the estimated annual expenditure on social benefits administered by her Department at the most recent convenient date; and how this figure approximately divides between universal benefits and those given after some selective test.
§ Miss HerbisonThe estimated expenditure in the year 1966–67 on social security benefits in schemes for which my Department is responsible is £2,450 million. These schemes combine elements of universality and selectivity, but if the question relates to benefits which are subject to a test of resources, the estimated expenditure in respect of these benefits is £300 million.