HC Deb 01 December 1969 vol 792 c209W
Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of low-paid workers eligible for free welfare foods; and how many have claimed this right over the last six months.

Dr. John Dunwoody

Information is not available on which to base any reliable estimate. But all welfare foods beneficiaries in families in receipt of supplementary benefit are automatically eligible for free supplies, and families with more than two beneficiaries, who also qualify automatically for free welfare foods, include a number of low-paid workers. In addition to these there were 442 successful claims by low income families not in receipt of supplementary benefit in England during the six months ending on 19th August, 1969, in respect of welfare foods.