Low-paid Workers

HC Deb 03 December 1969 vol 792 cc305-6W

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 prescriptions; and how many have claimed this right over the last six months.

Mr. O'Malley

It is not possible to make an estimate of the number of low-paid workers eligible for free prescriptions; nor can the number who have claimed this right over the last six months be given, as the figures of claims received from persons not in receipt of supplementary benefit do not distinguish between those persons who were in employment and those who were not, such as retirement pensioners.

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 dental treatment, dentures and spectacles; and how many have claimed this right over the last six months.

Mr. O'Malley

An estimate cannot be made from the information available; nor can the number of low-paid workers who have claimed help of this kind over the last six months be made as the figures of claims received from persons not receiving supplementary benefit do not distinguish between those persons who were in employment and those who were not, such as retirement pensioners.